Honor killings or honor crimes refer to murders or assaults most often (but not exclusively) committed by men toward a female relative to protect or restore a family's “honor”. Such crimes include domestic violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation and homicides. The reasons given for honor killings of women involve pre-marital pregnancy, loss of virginity outside marriage, infidelity, refusing an arranged marriage, having unapproved relationships, asking for a divorce, requesting custody of children after a divorce, leaving the family or marital home without permission, and falling victim to rape or incest.
