Director's Statement
Forbidden is inspired by the true story of my friend who was brutally murdered for being in love with someone her family did not approve of. This work is my tribute to this amazing woman who had the courage and the conviction to follow her heart and stand up to her family.
Earlier, I was under the misconception that only women who belonged to lower socio- economic backgrounds in developing countries were the victims of honour violence. However, after some extensive research, I learned I was wrong. Women from first world countries also face this societal evil, which is growing at an alarming rate. Moreover, sadly, one can belong to any religion, nationality, socio-economic status, and/or education level and still be a victim of this atrocity at the hands of their own family members.
The mission of this film is to end violence against women living outside of their native countries. In addition, it is to ignite a social change that will compel the legal system to take action against criminals who commit heinous crimes against women in the name of family honour.
Below is a brief overview of the research I have compiled on honour killings:
Earlier, I was under the misconception that only women who belonged to lower socio- economic backgrounds in developing countries were the victims of honour violence. However, after some extensive research, I learned I was wrong. Women from first world countries also face this societal evil, which is growing at an alarming rate. Moreover, sadly, one can belong to any religion, nationality, socio-economic status, and/or education level and still be a victim of this atrocity at the hands of their own family members.
The mission of this film is to end violence against women living outside of their native countries. In addition, it is to ignite a social change that will compel the legal system to take action against criminals who commit heinous crimes against women in the name of family honour.
Below is a brief overview of the research I have compiled on honour killings:
What are Honour Killings?
Honor killings are acts of vengeance, usually death, committed by male family members against female family members, who are held to have brought dishonor upon the family.
A woman can be targeted by her family for a variety of reasons, including: dressing in a manner unacceptable to the family, wanting to terminate or prevent an arranged marriage, desiring to marry by her own choice, having a friend of a different culture or social group, having a profile on social media, engaging in a homosexual relationship, wanting a divorce, being raped, abducted or arrested or not playing by the rules of the household.
In most cases before a murder there is permanent bullying against the victim that may include battery, torture, mutilation, rape, or imprisonment within the home. Some victims are driven to suicide from the pressure of their families. The mere perception that a woman has behaved in a way that "dishonors" her family is sufficient to trigger an attack on her life.
A woman can be targeted by her family for a variety of reasons, including: dressing in a manner unacceptable to the family, wanting to terminate or prevent an arranged marriage, desiring to marry by her own choice, having a friend of a different culture or social group, having a profile on social media, engaging in a homosexual relationship, wanting a divorce, being raped, abducted or arrested or not playing by the rules of the household.
In most cases before a murder there is permanent bullying against the victim that may include battery, torture, mutilation, rape, or imprisonment within the home. Some victims are driven to suicide from the pressure of their families. The mere perception that a woman has behaved in a way that "dishonors" her family is sufficient to trigger an attack on her life.
The Statistics
According to the United Nations, 5,000 women and girls are killed each year in the name of family honor. Women's Advocacy Groups, however, report the numbers are much higher as many of the cases go unreported. According to their findings, 20,000 women and girls are killed every year due to this brutal practice.
Reports submitted to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights show that honor killings have occurred in at least twenty-six countries. Of the twenty-six, nine are western countries with large immigrant communities including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Reports submitted to the United Nations Commission on Human Rights show that honor killings have occurred in at least twenty-six countries. Of the twenty-six, nine are western countries with large immigrant communities including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Where has the practice reached?
This practice has reached the United Kingdom, Canada and the US and murders are rising rapidly with numerous reported cases. The UK has developed a prevention program for these crimes and trained authorities to identify this type of crimes. The US is far behind Europe in acknowledging that “honor killings” are a special form of domestic violence requiring special training and special programs for the protection of young women and girls most likely to be the victims. Failing to identify the issue makes it more difficult to develop public policies to address it.