Debating the role of custom, religion and law in ‘honour’ crimes: implications for social work

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.