Jean Lambert, Green MEP for London, will highlight the need for action on so-called honour based violence at the launch of a new training DVD about the issue this Friday.
The film, titled For Honour and Love, has been produced by the Kurdish and Middle Eastern Women’s Organisation in collaboration with 18 And Under and the Nationwide Foundation and explores the shocking aspects of honour based violence, such as the threat of honour killing, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and issues relating to isolation and control.
Jean said:
"Honour based violence can take many forms, be it physical, psychological, sexual or emotional and it affects thousands of women every day, women who are forced to suffer in silence through fear of further persecution.
"We need to challenge the attitudes that consider such heinous crimes to be acceptable. People cannot hide behind culture belief or practice: culture can change.
"We all have the right to feel safe and free from abuse and I applaud the KMEWO for having the conviction to speak out about this often taboo subject and produce resources such as For Honour and Love that will encourage women to come forward and seek help."