What is 'Honour killing'?

We continuously read about the term Honour killing and sometimes query what exactly does it mean.

While the term has something to do with killing it is necessary to know that this is also known as shame killing and is a homicide done by members of the family of another member of the same family.

Also, do not go by the word Honour killing- 'there is no Honour in killing'

Reason? As the perpetrators think that the victim did something shameful, bad that as a result brought dishonor to the family.

While the belief of the family is completely wrong, the fact is that Honour killing is still practiced and is mostly done when-

1. The family feels that the victim violated principles of a community/religion. Some of the common examples include refusing to accept arranged marriage, sex before marriage, becoming a rape victim and others.

2. The individual tried bridging a social divide, got engaged with other communities publicly or adopted certain customs/religions from an outside group.

Whatever be the reason of Honour killing, what cannot be refused is that it is a wrong practice and is prevalent. Looked at statistically most of the victims of it are women, but that does not mean that men are not victimized. Saying that the practice is in backward areas is not correct and believing that only Indians are the ones who practice it is also misleading.

As per HBVA, there are performed 5000 honor killings per year internationally out of which 1000 are in India, 1000 in Pakistan and 12 killings in the UK.

It is necessary that the mindset of the individuals change if the cases related to Honour killings have to be reduced. Plus the need is of strict laws so that people think twice before committing such crimes.