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ABSTRACT
The purpose of this research is to better understand the role of custom, religion and law in so-called ‘honour’ crimes and to examine their implications for social work. Twenty-four Jordanian criminal trials of perpetrators of ‘honour’ killings from 2010 to 2014 were analysed. Most victims were unmarried women or young girls who were murdered by male relatives, usually brothers, for reasons including absence from home, being raped and talking on the phone. Although offenders claimed they acted in a ‘fit of fury’ (a defence under the Jordanian criminal code), most received long sentences. This research sheds light on the social, cultural and religious context of ‘honour’ crimes which may help in assisting affected individuals and families.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.
Note on contributor
Dr Fakir Al Gharaibeh is Associate Professor of Social Work and Social Policy University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. His research is focused on social work and social policy, human rights, divorce, prisoners, arab youth needs and rights and family violence. Dr Al Gharaibeh has published many articles in Jordan and internationally in Arabic and English. He received his PhD in Social Work and Social Policy from the Department of Social Work and Social Policy and the Centre for Human Rights Education, at Curtin University of Technology in Australia. Email: [email protected].