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There have already been two honour killings in Oxfordshire alone and it is feared that honour-based violence and forced marriage issues are vastly under-reported given a lack of awareness of the help that is available to victims.

Honour based violence and forced marriage issues cut across many cultures and communities where that culture is heavily male dominated and where there is forced marriage there is also likely to be rape and domestic abuse. Honour based violence is also a child protection issue.

It is important to note that Honour Based Violence and Forced Marriage are not supported by any religion and that the problem cuts across all faiths. This is a cultural issue and all of the criminal justice agencies, as well as voluntary and professional bodies, have been working hard together to ensure effective joint working and understanding of the particular complexities associated with HBV and forced Marriage.

The Local Criminal Justice Board has therefore been working with all of the criminal justice agencies as well as schools, hospitals, social services and local councils to raise awareness and create a joined up response to the problem.

This project will culminate in a multi-agency conference to be held at the Kassam Stadium on the 28th March 2008 and will be opened by Baroness Scotland of Asthal. There will be representatives from all of the agencies involved. This is a positive step forward in breaking down barriers and ensuring joined up working to provide victims with the best possible support.

Laetisia Staniforth, Race and Diversity Officer for the Criminal Justice Board and coordinator of the project said:

”This is a really exciting opportunity to have so many agencies represented and working together on this important issue. Through this project the LCJB have taken the lead in responding to a local issue and adopting a partnership approach to improve service throughout the process.”

1. Laetisia Staniforth, Race and Diversity Officer of the Local Criminal Justice Board and Fiona Thomas, Communications Officer for the Local Criminal Justice Board are available for telephone interviews in relation to this project. To arrange an interview or for any further information, please contact Fiona Thomas on 01865 856392.

2. There will be a further press release giving details of changes in policy and working practices that have emerged as a result of this work.