Why dishonour crime must replace “honour crime”

The murder of Fawziyah Javed shows why the UK must reject the phrase “honour crime”. There is no honour in abuse, coercion or violence. These are dishonour crimes. Clear language matters because words influence how victims are treated and how perpetrators are punished.

As Aneeta Prem MBE said:
“Dishonour crime is abuse. It is violence. It is murder. Every time we call it honour, we legitimise perpetrators and silence victims. Survivors cannot wait until 2026 for action.”

The case of Fawziyah Javed

Fawziyah was a 31-year-old law graduate from West Yorkshire. In September 2021, she travelled to Edinburgh with her husband, Kashif Anwar. During that trip, he pushed her from Arthur’s Seat after months of coercive control and abuse.

In April 2023, the High Court in Edinburgh convicted him of murder and sentenced him to life in prison with a minimum term of 20 years (BBC report). Her death shocked the nation. Moreover, her family have continued to speak out so that her memory drives real change.

Government pledges after the dishonour crime of Fawziyah Javed

In August 2025, the Government pledged new measures in her memory. These include stronger Domestic Abuse Protection Orders, Raneem’s Law to embed abuse specialists in 999 call centres, and the creation of a National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls.

These announcements are still pledges and must go through Parliament in late 2025 and into 2026. However, they show a recognition that the system has failed too many victims.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:
“All forms of honour-based abuse are devastating crimes that can shatter lives. There is no honour in them. We will use everything at our disposal to make sure perpetrators face justice and victims are protected.”

Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and VAWG, added:
“This starts with a clearer definition of the crime and guidance backed in law. It is also vital that we understand the true scale and nature of these crimes.”

Yasmin Javed, Fawziyah’s mother, welcomed the pledge:
“I am pleased that the government has listened to our calls for a statutory definition of honour-based abuse, and that this change has been made in Fawziyah’s memory.”

The scale of dishonour crime in the UK

According to the Home Office, police in England and Wales recorded 2,905 offences flagged as honour-based abuse in 2023. That figure is 16 per cent higher than in 2021. In addition, campaigners believe the real number is far greater because family and community pressure often silences victims.

Dishonour crimes harm women and girls, and they also affect boys and men. Every number represents a life at risk. Therefore, delay costs lives.

Freedom Charity’s work against dishonour crime

Freedom Charity was founded to protect children and young people from dishonour crimes. In 2014, it was instrumental in making forced marriage a criminal offence. The charity also campaigned to ban virginity testing and hymenoplasty.

Since its launch, Freedom has:

• donated more than 100,000 safeguarding books, including But It’s Not Fair and Cut Flowers

• educated over 100,000 children through PSHE-accredited lessons

• trained thousands of frontline professionals, including police, NHS staff, teachers and members of the judiciary

• launched the Freedom App with over 250,000 downloads

• run a 24/7 helpline that rescues and supports people at risk of forced marriage and dishonour crime

Moreover, the charity continues to provide frontline safeguarding advice, awareness sessions and outreach to schools and communities.

Why urgent action is needed

Law reform matters. Language matters. Resources matter. Therefore, the government must define dishonour crime in law, strengthen sentencing, and provide urgent funding for shelters and advocacy services. At the same time, communities must break the silence that enables abuse.

Conclusion: Act now for Fawziyah Javed

The murder of Fawziyah Javed is a tragedy, but it should also be a turning point. To honour her memory, the UK must change the law, change the language, and fund frontline support.

Dishonour crime is not culture. It is not a tradition. It is not private. It is murder. In memory of Fawziyah Javed, we must act now.

Today’s Metro front page highlights the Government’s pledge in her memory. Freedom Charity will continue to hold policymakers to account until these promises are delivered.

#DishonourCrime #JusticeForFawziyah #EndAbuse #VAWG #Fawziyah #aneetaprem