Uncovering Hidden Crimes: Using Math to Spot Honour-Based Abuse
A Complex Issue
Honour-based abuse is a serious issue that includes things like forced marriage and female genital mutilation. It's hard to track because local data is scarce.
Clever Method: Comparative Judgement
To tackle this, experts used a clever method called comparative judgement. They asked people to compare different areas and guess which had more abuse.
Challenges and Solutions
- Comparing similar areas was tiring: So, they added an option for ties, making it easier.
- Complex math: They solved this by creating a smart algorithm.
- Flexibility: This allowed them to use different assumptions in their model.
Mapping the Risk
By working with South Yorkshire Police and Oxford Against Cutting, they mapped out the risk in two UK counties. This helps professionals protect those at risk.
Understanding Honour-Based Abuse
Honour-based abuse is not just one thing. It's a range of harmful practices, including:
- Forced marriage
- Female genital mutilation
- Other forms of control
Victims are often isolated and afraid. They may not report the abuse due to fear or shame. This makes it hard for authorities to know where to focus their efforts.
The Power of Comparative Judgement
Comparative judgement is not new. It's been used in education to assess student work. But applying it to honour-based abuse is different.
Key Points
- Hidden and underreported: The nature of the abuse makes it challenging.
- Fatigue and accuracy: Areas with similar levels of abuse can be hard to compare.
- Solution: Allowing for ties helps, but complicates the math.
- Efficient algorithm: The solution was an efficient algorithm that fits the model with ties and allows for different assumptions.
Collaboration and Impact
The project involved collaboration between South Yorkshire Police and Oxford Against Cutting. They aimed to map the risk in two counties.
Benefits
- Professional guidance: The results help professionals see where abuse is more likely.
- Prevention: This guides their efforts to protect victims and prevent future abuse.
- Tool: The model is a tool. It's not perfect, but it's a start.
- Math and real-world problems: It shows how math can be used to tackle real-world problems.
- Importance of collaboration: Different groups bring different skills. Together, they can make a bigger impact.
