Deputy PCC Remembers Victims Of Honour Based Violence

Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Gwent, Eleri Thomas, has commemorated victims of honour based violence at an event in Newport.

Hosted by domestic abuse charity BAWSO, the event brought together members of the community and professionals to discuss how partnership working can help to safeguard girls and women against forced marriage and honour based violence.

As part of the event, Ms Thomas addressed attendees to inform them of the work being undertaken by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, and Gwent Police, to tackle these heinous crimes.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy PCC said, “Forced Marriage and Honour Based Violence is a hidden crime which abuses Human Rights and cannot be justified on any grounds.

“No-one should suffer because of who they are, or the communities that they come from.

“Two incidents of forced marriage were reported to Gwent Police between March 2018 and April 2019, 16 incidents of honour based violence, but no incidents of female genital mutilation.

“These figures illustrate the unescapable nature of these crimes which prevent a victim’s ability to disclose. It also demonstrates that the Police are often not the first service victims feel enabled and empowered to contact.

“Within Gwent Police, we are working to address this by training Honour Abuse Liaison Officers and dedicating a Community Support Officer to work with victims and communities.

“We will continue to play our part in driving this agenda forward and influence our partners and policy makers, at all levels, to do the same.”

If you, or someone you know needs help or further information about honour based violence, you can contact Gwent Police via 101 (or 999 in an emergency) or Connect Gwent on 0300 123 21 33.