On 2nd December, it was our privilege to host a 16 days of activism event on behalf of the East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Office. The event aimed to raise awareness locally of domestic abuse, honour-based abuse and domestic abuse killings.
Our guest speaker Yasmin faced unimaginable loss—the tragic death of her daughter and unborn grandchild through a domestic homicide. Her family’s participation in Channel 4’s documentary The Push has already helped to raise awareness on the devastating impact of domestic violence and honour-based abuse.
Yasmin provided insight into her daughter’s life, the impact that domestic abuse, honour-based abuse and murder has had on her family, as well as the urgent need for awareness and change.
Honor-based abuse (HBA) is a serious and often hidden issue that exists in many parts of the world, including Scotland. In areas like East Lothian and Midlothian, as elsewhere, it can manifest in various harmful practices tied to the concept of “honour,” including emotional, physical, or sexual abuse, coercive control, forced marriage, and even domestic homicide.
Honor-based abuse occurs when individuals, predominantly women and girls, are subjected to violence or control by family members or communities to protect perceived family or cultural “honor.” We know that within HBA, the perpetrators can include wider family members, entire communities, the threat and impact can also be international. HBA is rooted in patriarchal values and harmful traditions.
HBA does affect the families we are working with, but it often remains underreported due to:
- Fear: Victims fear retribution from family or community members.
- Isolation: Victims may lack access to services or trusted individuals to. disclose abuse.
- Cultural barriers: Stigma and shame can prevent victims from seeking help including lack of understanding or awareness within local or specialist services.
Scotland has made significant strides in addressing domestic violence, forced marriage, and honor-based abuse through its inclusion in Equally Safe, laws such as Forced Marriage etc. (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Act 2011and Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018but there is still significant work and progress to be made. At present no specific offence for HBA exists.
In response to Yasmin’s presentation, Julie, WAEML’s CEO commented: “Yasmin, your voice honours your daughter’s memory and carries forward her experience in a way that will undoubtedly inspire and educate us all. On behalf of everyone, thank you for your willingness to speak today and for your unwavering commitment to raising awareness about such important issues. We are so very sorry for your loss but you have our full support in advocating for change”.
Thank you to the East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Office for arranging and co-ordinating this event as part of the 16 days programme to prevent and eradicate gender based abuse.
For further information please contact:
Julie Watson, CEO
Email: julie@womensaideml.org
www.womensaideml.org