Victims and Safeguarding Ministers to be pressed on tackling so-called honour-based abuse
The Victims and Safeguarding Ministers will be questioned on what the Government is doing to tackle so-called honour-based abuse, in the second session of the Women and Equalities Committee’s inquiry. The Domestic Abuse Commissioner will also appear to give evidence.
Likely areas of questioning
MPs will examine how the police response and legal protections for victims of honour-based abuse can be improved, with questions to the honour-based abuse leads from the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Crown Prosecution Service.
A 2015 HMIC report found the police were “underprepared” for dealing with cases of honour-based violence and supporting victims. In the previous session of the inquiry, MPs heard evidence that there may not have been “significant headway” made since the report and it is “a lottery for many women to find a police officer who is up to date.”
Honour-based abuse includes crimes such as forced marriage, female genital mutilation, ‘honour’ killings, physical and psychological abuse.
The inquiry is part of the Committee’s umbrella inquiry into Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls.
Warning: This session is likely to feature distressing content about Violence Against Women and Girls motivated by so-called honour. If you believe that you, or someone you know, is in immediate danger, please contact the police on 999.
If you are in need of support, the Committee website has details of organisations which could assist you.