Northumbria Police have joined up with the Cleveland and Durham forces to provide a 24-hour confidential crisis helpline CHOICE for victims of honour based violence and forced marriages.

Forced marriages are recognised by the government as a human rights abuse, and honour-based violence can include serious crimes such as assault, kidnap, and even murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Max Black, from the public protection unit, said:"We fully understand the problems and very difficult choices facing people who are being forced into marriage or who have been subjected to or fear honour based violence.

"It is for this reason that we joined Durham and Cleveland Police Forces in operating the CHOICE helpline on 0800 5999365 which is answered by specially trained staff within our Communications Department.

"We would urge anyone who believes they may be at risk, or who knows someone who may be at risk, to contact the helpline."

The Helpline became active in December and already a number of calls have been received.

All Northumbria Police officers and staff have received training in recognising and dealing with instances of honour based violence and forced marriage to ensure that the safety of victims and witnesses are paramount and that any offences are fully investigated.

Each incident reported to police will be dealt with by specially trained investigators based within the six Public Protection Units in each area command.

Forced marriage is generally regarded as an issue of violence against women, mainly aged between 13 and 30, but evidence suggests that as many as 15 per cent of victims are men.

The helpline number for anyone who fears they may be at risk of honour-based violence or forced marriage, or people calling on their behalf, is 0800 5999365.