Unfortunately, violence in the name of honour regularly occurs in our
society. Each year, in approximately three thousand cases, the Dutch
National Police Force takes into consideration that an affront to honour
can be a motive for violence or the threat of violence. It is not always
easy to recognise honour-related cases, given that the violation and
restoration of honour comes in many manifestations, ranging from verbal
threats to murder. What is more, this kind of violence can affect people
during different stages of their lives. In the process, men and women
turn up not only as victims but also as suspects.
This book is intended as an introduction to the complex world of honour
and violence, and it is intended for police officers and other
professionals who have to deal with these matters during the course of
their work. It gives professionals insight into the following issues:
Why is honour so important? How can the warning signs that a conflict is
threatening to escalate into violence be recognised? What can
professionals do about it?