1. Differentiating Honour Crimes: An Empirical Framework
Nazanin Shiraj, PhD (candidate), Maria Ioannou , PhD, & Laura Hammond, PhD
Abstract
In order to comprehend the culture of honour crimes, the current study took an empirical approach by producing a coherent account of the honour crime scene behaviours. The content analysis identified 30 crime scene variables from a sample of 80 cases- all cases were obtained from available online sources. Using Multidimensional Scaling Analysis (Smallest Space Analysis [SSA-1]), the results demonstrated that the SSA-1 attributed to the development of three crime scene behaviours of Antagonist, Humiliation and Public Display. On the grounds of Canter’s (1994) framework of Victim Roles, the current study was able to differentiate between the Victim Roles in correspondence to the crime scene behaviours (Antagonist= Victim as Object, Humiliation= Victim as Vehicle and Public Display= Victim as Person). Except for laying a base for future research, this study has the potential to guide the government officials into the correct identification of potential suspects.
victim to the role of Victim as Object.
Public Display- Victim as Person: In this theme, the offender appears indecisive about the expected punishment of the victim. Therefore, the offender’s recognition of victim as human, assigns the victim to Victim as Person role.
Humiliation- Victim as Vehicle: This theme emphasises the offender’s desire to express anger towards the victim in the most painful way. Considering levels of personal interactions between the offender and the victim, it can be concluded that the offender assigns the Victim as Vehicle role to the victim.
Background
In many cultures, women are expected to behave in accordance to their community’s strict guidelines. These guidelines range from covering up, to leaving the house with the male’s authorization. The core feature of an honour crime is the female’s chastity, therefore, if the female breaches these forbidden rules, she is commonly subjected to physical/mental torture and even death in the extreme cases (Husseini, 2009).
the honour related offences, whilst 28.8% of the studied honour crimes had taken place in Pakistan.
Discussion
To summarize, the study was able to develop a model that could directly relate to police practice and be effectively used in courts. Focusing on the offenders’ commitments and their attempts to express their anger within the cultural limitations, the current study opens up a new framework and delivers further objectives within the field of honour. Therefore, as the research on honour crimes remains in its infancy, there is a great deal of need and potential for future work on this topic.
Method
Sample- 30 variables were produced from 80 cases of honour crime scene behaviours based on different cultures and backgrounds. The data relied on open online materials.
Analysis- After performing the SSA, the model was further examined in an attempt to verify if Canter’s (1994) Victim Role model corresponded with the identified themes of crime scene behaviours. The effect of background factors on honour related incidents was also examined.
Results
With 56.3% of honour crimes carried out as groups, the SSA configuration resulted in the partition of the crime scene behaviours into three distinct themes, all of which corresponded to Canter’s (1994) Victim Roles.
Antagonist-Victim as Object: This theme imitates a war zone as the offender openly displays the urge to gain control over the situation by seriously harming the victim.
Here, the lack of empathy towards the victim assigns the
2 by 3 Projection of the Three -Dimensional Smallest Space Analysis (SSA) of honour crime scene behaviours.
With the frequency of 91.4%, the Muslim communities appear to be more likely to practice honour crimes. In addition, father and other male relatives were each responsible for 29.2% of