What should be done regarding the gender of the interviewing officer in cases of honour abuse?

In cases of honour abuse, it is considered best practice to have an interviewing officer of a gender that is sensitive to the victim's cultural and personal needs. While there may not be a specific legal requirement mandating the gender of the officer, ensuring that the interviewing officer is appropriately matched to the victim's expectations can significantly impact the victim's comfort and willingness to engage with the police. This consideration helps foster an environment where the victim feels safe, respected, and understood, which is essential for gathering information and progressing the investigation effectively.

Moreover, this approach aligns with the broader framework of trauma-informed policing, which recognizes that the dynamics surrounding honour-based crimes can vary significantly based on cultural contexts. Thus, having a gender-sensitive approach is seen as an important aspect of police practice in such sensitive cases, even though it does not have the force of law behind it.