Success for honour crime helpline

Reports of so-called honour violence have increased with the introduction of a telephone helpline for victims, Cambridgeshire Police has said.

The Choice helpline has been run by police officers 24 hours a day as a confidential way to get in touch with specially-trained officers since June.

Prior to the helpline's introduction, the service recorded six calls a month, which has risen to an average of 20.

The line was introduced after a similar scheme was set up by Cleveland Police.

Life choices

Det Insp Melanie Dales, who runs the initiative, said: "So-called honour based crimes can be complex to understand and often go unreported because the victim doesn't feel they can approach police.

"Before the line was launched we were receiving an average six calls a month from honour based crime victims and we felt there were more victims out there.

"The increase in calls suggests that those victims are now feeling more confident about contacting the police, which is great news.

"Everyone has the right to make their own life choices without the fear of physical or mental abuse and we hope that this helpline will encourage those who cannot do this to get in touch with police."