The first national day of remembrance for victims of Honour Based Violence (HBV) has been held.

Last Tuesday would have been the 29th birthday of schoolgirl Shafilea Ahmed, who was murdered by her mother and father in 2003 after suffering years of abuse.

Honour-based violence is a crime and form of domestic abuse committed, mainly by family members, in the name of “honour”.

HBV may be committed against individuals who are believed to have brought shame on their family by entering into a relationship with a girlfriend or boyfriend from a different culture or religion; who want to get out of an arranged marriage or a forced marriage or individuals seen as too “westernised”.

HBV can include verbal threats, abduction, physical and psychological abuse, acid attacks, sexual abuse, forced marriage, body mutilation and even murder. This is by no means an exhaustive list and while the majority of victims of HBV are women, men can also fall victim and may be targeted if, for example, they are gay. Forced marriage, a form of HBV, is a marriage conducted without consent of one or both parties and where duress is a factor.

Forced marriage became a criminal offence under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Police Act 2014. This offence applies to any person who intentionally forces a person to enter into marriage, believing that the person does not consent or who deceives someone to go abroad for the purpose of forcing them to marry. The offence is committed whether or not the forced marriage goes ahead.

Last month the UK saw its first conviction for forced marriage, when a 34-year-old man was jailed for 16 years for charges including rape, voyeurism, bigamy and forced marriage. It has been reported that around 5,000 women are killed each year worldwide in acts of HBV; however, it is believed that this figure is underestimated. It is hoped awareness of this issue will continue to rise after this conviction and events such as the day of remembrance will encourage victims to come forward.

The charity Karma Nirvana was set up in 1993 and supports victims of honour crimes and forced marriages. The charity provides support to victims, campaigns to raise awareness in schools, as well as providing training to police and other organisations in the UK.

* Karma Nirvana also operates a dedicated helpline for victims and professionals who are seeking guidance (The Honour Network Helpline 0800 5999 247). Victims can also access help and support by calling Victim Support on 0808 1689 111.

Last week, events took place locally and nationally to mark this day of remembrance with charities such as the Oxfordshire and West Berkshire Domestic Abuse Service joining Karma Nirvana in continuing to raise awareness.