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West Yorkshire Police is launching a new campaign highlighting the issues of forced marriage and honour-based abuse.
The Force’s focus on this issue coincides with the third annual national day of remembrance for victims of “honour” killings today, Friday 14 July. 14 July was the birthday of Shafilea Ahmed, originally from Bradford, who was killed by her parents in Warrington after suffering honour-based violence and an attempted forced marriage.
Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson of West Yorkshire Police said: “Tackling forced marriage and honour based abuse is a priority for West Yorkshire Police. There are specialist safeguarding units in every District of West Yorkshire with professionals who understand the issues and know how to help.
“There is no honour in any form of abuse. We take a victim-led approach to deal with these challenging issues which respects the views of victims and witnesses, provides the necessary support, confidentiality and protection from harm.”