Police determined to play their part in eradicating honour-based abuse

Commander Chishty said: "The police service is alert to the issue of Honour Based Abuse in all its forms and is looking carefully at ways of tackling the problem, both in terms of direct policing and through working in partnership with communities and other agencies to build on successes and take on board lessons to be learned.

"The College of Policing has developed modules on HBA which now form part of police training and we are in constant contact with experts and partner groups to ensure that we are responding as effectively as possible.

"HBA is a distressing crime which blights, and in some cases takes, lives. We are commited to playing our part in eradicating it. We are encouraged by increased levels of reporting but concerned that this remains an under-reported crime. I want to send a message to victims and survivors: You do not need to suffer in silence. We are skilled and ready to help you and will always put the victim at the centre of our work. Please, come forward and talk to us.  

"Anyone with concerns should contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency, or speak confidentially to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111. Additionally, there is the Foreign Office-backed Forced Marriage Unit on 020 7008 0151 and the NSPCC's FGM helpline on 0800 028 3550."