Forced marriage helpline launched

A new national helpline for victims of forced marriage and honour-based violence has been launched.

The dedicated helpline, called the 'Honour Network', is run by the charity Karma Nirvana, which helps survivors of honour crimes and forced marriages.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said the helpline is run 'by survivors, for survivors' to give victims the confidence to come forward and report the crimes they'd suffered.

We recognise that the scale of these issues remains unknown and much of the problem stays underground," he said. "We are determined across government to continue engaging with local communities and taking action to protect victims to put an end to this appalling practice."

The helpline can be called on 0800 5999 247. Anyone who has fears about someone who is going to be taken abroad and forced into marriage, can call the Forced Marriage Unit on 020 7008 0151.