TACKLING the complex and sensitive problem of honour based violence is at the heart of a new charter designed to address the issue which tears communities apart.

Launched on Britain’s Lost Women Day, which is held on the birthday of Shafilea Ahmed, who was murdered by her parents at the age of seventeen after resisting a forced marriage, the charter aims to give a voice to victims of abuse.

Written by the Halo Project Charity, the charter sets out plans to support and protect victims of honour based violence and raise awareness of the services available for those who are suffering from it.

The charity is looking after 220 woman across the region who are fleeing from the grip of abusive families or who are fighting to live their lives how they choose.

Yasmin Khan, of the charity, wants to tackle the problem of honour based violence, abuse and forced marriage, with the support of the entire community.

Speaking at the launch event today (Tuesday, July 14), she said: "We are trying to spread the message that honour based violence and abuse will no longer be tolerated. We want people to be able to come forward and speak to us so that we can give them the help and support they need.

"This is not just about helping people, who are already in abusive relationships or forced marriages, it is also about being aware of anyone who could become a victim. We need more people to come forward so that we can secure convictions against the perpetrators who physically, emotionally and sexually abuse their victims."

Every year thousands of women suffer from honour based violence and around 12 women are killed, for supposedly compromising their families’ honour. So far this year, there have been ten incidents of honour based violence in the Cleveland area.

The charity works closely with the local authorities and police forces across the region.

Barry Coppinger, Cleveland's Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Honour based violence is often hidden in communities and is often an extremely dangerous crime. We must empower victims to come forward and seek the specialist and confidential support networks available throughout Cleveland and the wider region.

“Victims must know that they have somewhere to turn to and the charter provides a framework for ourselves and our partner agencies to be able to support them.”

Detective Inspector Helen Eustace, from the Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, said: "We would like victims to know that there is somewhere that they can turn to for help, support and advice and that we are dedicated to stamping out honour based violence.”

For further information, help or support visit haloproject.org.uk or call 01642-683045.