Honor Killings

Honor killings are acts of vengeance committed by male relatives against female relatives who have brought “dishonor” upon the family. This “dishonor” can include refusal to enter into an arranged marriage, being the victim of sexual assault, seeking a divorce, or having social or professional interactions outside the community. These crimes often go unpunished or lightly punished in cultures in which the practice is enshrined and are often reported as suicides or accidents. Honor killings occur worldwide, including among immigrant communities within Western democracies. The articles in this volume provide multiple perspectives on how best to prevent, prosecute, and punish such crimes, how to safeguard women’s safety and freedom, and how to balance tradition, religion, and community standards against the protection of universal human rights.