More than 20 investigations have been launched over allegations of honour-based violence and forced marriage in the Cambridge area in one year, it has been revealed.
The Cambridgeshire Constabulary was the second force in the country to launch a hotline for victims of the crime in 2007 and has since dealt with some harrowing incidents.
In one case, a young girl was removed against her will from one country to another and forced into marriage. She was rescued from the situation and made safe.
Another woman in an arranged marriage was mentally abused by her husband before she contacted the force. Officers helped her to flee with her children to a place of safety.
Force chiefs said honour-based crimes can be complex and often go unreported because some victims do not feel they can approach the police.
Last year, the constabulary recorded a combined total of 23 incidents and crimes involving alleged honour-based violence but only one charge was made which resulted in a conviction. There were five incidents and crimes regarding forced marriage but no charges were made.
Police are calling on victims of the crime to come forward and ask for help.
A force spokesman said: “Although we don’t have many incidents of honour-based violence or forced marriage in Cambridgeshire, we take it very seriously and have specially trained officers within our Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit.
“We also have a dedicated hotline which victims can call to report incidents or get help and support.”
The Cambridgeshire Constabulary Choice hotline was launched in June 2007 to support victims of honour-based violence and forced marriage and is run by specially trained detectives during the hours of 8am-10pm.
Out of these hours victims can contact 101 or in an emergency, always dial 999.
Following the launch of the hotline, calls to detectives about honour-based violence and forced marriage more than doubled, from an average of six calls per month to 20 calls per month.
The crime or incident may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family or the community, police said.
Call Cambridgeshire Choice hotline on 0800 5 999 818 in confidence.