Written question asked by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 15 February 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 February 2008. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Tuesday, 4 March 2008 on behalf of the Home Office.

Homicide: Females

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps her Department is taking to tackle honour killings; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: In March 2005 we developed our National Domestic Violence Delivery Plan. This focuses on five key outcomes:"to reduce the number of domestic violence homicides;""to reduce the prevalence of domestic violence;""to increase the rate that domestic violence is reported;""to increase the proportion of domestic violence offences that are brought to justice; and""to ensure that victims of domestic violence are adequately protected and supported."As part of this Delivery Plan, specific action has been taken to address honour based violence and forced marriage. Over the coming months we will be working closely with the Association of Chief Police Officers to develop an action plan for honour based violence.We will also be running a series of regional seminars on honour based violence and forced marriage starting in the spring. The aim of these seminars will be to raise awareness in local communities and to stimulate decisive action to protect victims and potential victims. It is envisaged that this will also be the start of a continuing dialogue with communities.This work will be embedded in the next three years through the Tackling Violence Action Plan which will seek to reduce all homicides and serious violence including honour-related killings.

Secondary information