Twenty years after the murder of Banaz Mahmod, her sister Bekhal is urging the UK government to adopt 'Banaz's law', which would create statutory guidance on honour-based abuse. Bekhal, who has been in hiding under a new identity since testifying against her father and uncle in 2007, fears the current migration debate may deter victims from coming forward.
Banaz, aged 20, was killed in 2006 after leaving an arranged marriage. She had reported threats to police but was dismissed as manipulative. The proposed law aims to improve professional recognition of honour-based abuse, empower victims, and ensure perpetrators face justice.
Peers tabled amendments to the crime and policing bill last month, urging adoption of the proposals. The government has said it will consider them, but justice minister Alison Levitt noted that making honour-based abuse a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing may not be necessary, though she welcomed further discussion.
Campaign group Southall Black Sisters warns that framing migration as a threat to women is damaging. Sanskriti Sanghi, a campaigns manager, said: 'Violence against women and girls is being weaponised by the far right to further a racist and anti-migrant agenda, reducing trust in the system.'
Bekhal, who endured abuse alongside her four sisters, said: 'I worry, 100%, that the climate now could prevent women from coming forward today.' She hopes the government will finally act to protect others from the fate that befell Banaz.
