Nearly 3,000 'Honour Attacks' In UK Last Year

Nearly 3,000 so-called "honour" attacks took place in the UK last year, according to new research.

Figures obtained by the Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation (Ikwro) showed at least 2,823 incidents of "honour-based" violence took place, with the highest number recorded in London.

The charity said the statistics do not give the full picture of the levels of "honour" violence in the UK , but are the best national estimate so far.

"'Honour' attacks are punishments usually carried out on women who have been accused of bringing shame on their family and in the past have included abductions, mutilations, beatings and murder," the report said.

"The number of incidents is significant, particularly when we consider the high levels of abuse that victims suffer before they seek help."

The data, taken from from 39 out of 52 UK forces, was released following a freedom of information request by Ikwro. The group estimates there may have been around 500 other incidents in the 13 forces areas that did not provide figures.

In the 12 force areas that could also provide statistics for 2009 there was a 47% increase in incidents year-on-year.

In London incidents rose from 235 to 495, and in Greater Manchester from 105 to 189.

Ikrwo told The Guardian newspaper the increase was probably due to improved police awarenes and more victims coming forward after coverage of high-profile prosecutions.

In 2006, Banaz Mahmod, from Mitcham, south London, was strangled on the orders of her father and uncle because they thought her boyfriend was unsuitable.

Cousins Mohammed Saleh Ali and Omar Hussain, both 28, were jailed last year for a minimum of 22 and 21 years respectively for the "honour killing" of the 20-year-old Iraqi Kurd.

The victim's father Mahmod Mahmod and uncle Ari Mahmod were jailed for life at
the Old Bailey in 2007.