Honour-based violence is defined as:

A crime or incident which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and / or the community.

Honour-based violence can affect both men and women, and cuts across a number of cultures and communities. It is closely associated with domestic abuse and child protection matters.

Issues such as dress, choice of friends, relationships with members of the opposite sex and career choice among others could all impact on a family's honour and therefore lead to honour-based violence.

There are many examples of how honour-based violence can impact on someone's life including being isolated from local communities, not being allowed independence, forced into marriage or under duress from their family. In every case police have a responsibility to ensure safety, whether that is by offering advice and prosecuting offenders.

What should I do if I suspect that I or someone I know is a victim of honour-based violence or a forced marriage?

If you believe that you or anyone you know is a victim of either honour-based violence or a forced marriage, please call the Cambridgeshire Choice hotline on 0800 5 999 818.The hotline is run by specially trained detectives. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Calls to the Choice hotline will be dealt with confidentially by trained officers who understand the complex situation the victim may be in and the cultural issues they may be facing.

If you would like further information on the Choice hotline or a detective to contact you please provide your details below, using our secure online form.