The Shafia case mobilized community organizations (particularly those working with women and girls from diverse backgrounds), police services, youth protection, school boards, institutions and the research community.
In the wake of the affair, several associations, groups and institutions set up working committees, organized study and action days, and implemented research projects. Collectively, they strove to define, circumscribe and understand the issue of honor-based violence. They have also sought to identify culturally appropriate intervention practices. Those that guarantee the safety and protection of actual or potential victims. Awareness-raising, training, screening and risk-assessment tools were then developed to support these practices.
This issue of Les Cahiers de PV presents the results of much of this work and the issues involved. Both practice and research agree that much remains to be done. Nonetheless, the way ahead is clear. It should lead to a better understanding of the problem of honor-based violence, and to improved assistance for vulnerable people.