CAMBS POLICE: So called honour based violence calls double since new helpline

SO called honour based violence calls in Cambridgeshire have more than doubled since the introduction of a helpline in June.

The `Choice' helpline - 0800 5 999 818 - was launched on Monday June 16 and has received an average of over 20 calls a month, compared to the average six calls the force received before the launch.

The confidential hotline is aimed at providing help for victims of honour based violence and is run by specially trained police officers 24 hours a day.

Detective Inspector Melanie Dales, who runs the initiative, said: "It is encouraging that victims are calling the hotline, whether that is to seek advice or report a crime.

"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."

Since the line was launched the force has received more than 70 calls from men and woman either seeking advice about an honour based issue or reporting a crime.

Of the calls, 27 have been dealt with as live cases, where victims have been relocated or witnesses to a criminal case.

DI Dales added: "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.

"All calls to the helpline will be answered by female officers who have had specialist training to give them a better understanding of honour based crime and the support available to victims."

Cambridgeshire is only the second force in the country to have a helpline for honour based violence; Cleveland Police launched their helpline in November 2007.