Dear Editor,
‘Honour’-based abuse is a horrendous crime, damaging the lives of mostly young and vulnerable people. It is also a predominately hidden and under-reported crime, as victims find it difficult to speak out against family members.
On 5th July, I’ll be attending a National Day of Remembrance reception at New Scotland Yard to commemorate the victims of ‘honour’-based violence. Whilst I welcome the work that is being done on this issue by the Met Police’s dedicated working group, it is clear there is still a long way to go.
It is encouraging to see the Mayor of London take action on ‘honour’-based violence. His recent Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy contains a commitment that measures will be put in place to more effectively identify those at risk and encourage victims to report it.
However, it has to be reiterated that as a community we also have key role to play in this: school nurses, student welfare officers, friends and neighbours must remain alert and spot the warning signs of any abuse. And this should not apply solely to ‘honour’-based crimes but to all forms of violence against women and girls.
Yours,
Jennette Arnold AM OBE