In the name of so-called honor?”

pexels-alex-green-5699754

Patriarchal violence occurs primarily in family structures, communities, and societies shaped by patriarchal norms. It is often also referred to as so-called “honor”-based violence. Honor-based violence can take the form of domestic violence or violence in close social relationships, but it is distinguished by a specific motive: the desire to uphold the “family honor.” Perpetrators justify their actions by claiming they are preserving or restoring this “family honor.”

 

Violence committed in the name of “honor” can take various forms, including emotional pressure and coercion, confinement and social isolation of those affected, as well as physical and sexualized violence. Forced marriages and “honor killings” are among the most severe forms of honor-based violence. Most victims are women and girls, but men can also be affected—particularly those who resist forced marriage, are homosexual, or otherwise do not conform to traditional gender roles.

 
 

The concept of “honor” in this context is critical, as violence and murder are never “honorable.” Rather, the term reflects the language of perpetrators, who use it to justify their violent crimes by claiming that the affected person has violated the family’s honor. The number of unreported cases is high, as many incidents are disguised as suicides or accidents.

 

The perpetrators are usually members of the immediate family: fathers, brothers, uncles, and cousins. However, women can also be involved as perpetrators. This form of violence is typically tolerated by (almost) all family members. The planning and execution of acts such as forced marriage or “honor killings” often involve several relatives.