Cleveland’s Police and Crime Commissioner has today pledged to back a new initiative aimed at tackling what he described as the ‘misery and suffering’ caused by so-called honour-based violence and forced marriages.

Barry Coppinger, speaking at the launch of the HALO Project held in Middlesbrough, stressed that, as well as providing support to victims, it was crucial that the police and other agencies had the expertise to develop their services.

Led by Tees Valley Inclusion and backed by a wide range of partners, the HALO project aims to provide a focal point of contact which can deal sensitively and confidentially with victims, as well as providing guidance for agencies on how they can meet their needs effectively.