Essex: Fewer Cases Of Honour-Based Violence

25 September 2012, 12:24 | Updated: 25 September 2012, 12:32

Heart can reveal there has been a big drop in the number of honour-based cases violence reported to Essex Police.

In a Freedom of Information request figures show in 2010 there were 20 cases, with just nine reported in 2011 and only two by the end of May 2012.

Detective Inspector Nick Burston has been telling Heart that this does not mean that these crimes are happening less, but that victims may be too scared to come forward.

She has been telling Heart: "By reporting to the police they feel they are bringing dishonour on the family.

"To take them through a court process is a step even further down that line.

"What victims want when they come to us is to feel safe, for the abuse to stop but they don't want to make matters even worse."

Detective Inspector Burston also said it could be worse for younger victims: "They are probably living a very restrictive existence.

"If you suddenly decided that you want to expose what's happening to you, you are going to have to leave that community and step into a world not know.

"Now if you are 16, 17 or 18 are you in a position to be able to do that?"

If you are a victim of honour-based violence, or any type of domestic abuse, please see the links above for what help and support is out there.