Greater Manchester’s Police force must improve its understanding of honour-based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

A report out today, the first of its kind by Her Majesties Inspectorate of constabulary, found that the force in common with all but three forces across the country, that the police are not sufficiently prepared to protect effectively victims of honour-based violence, including forced marriage and female genital mutilation. 

Despite there being pockets of good practice, a lot needs to improve. The service provided to victims must improve, given that they face unique difficulties in reporting such incidents and crimes. 

Forces must also improve engagement with community groups that support the interests of victims, in order to understand better the complexities cases of honour-based violence can pose, which will give victims and those affected the confidence to come forward.

Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Thomas Winsor said:

“This report is one of the most important ever produced by HMIC, as these are crimes of unique seriousness, involving a degree of vulnerability which is absent in almost every other case, with the exception of the abuse, neglect and sexual exploitation of children.”
Commenting on the report, Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd said,

“I’m bound to be disappointed that Greater Manchester Police is ‘not yet prepared’ to protect people from honour-based violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation.

“In my Police and Crime Plan the protection of vulnerable people and making sure the needs of victims are at the centre is of the highest priority. As Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner I am committed to put in place the greatest protection for vulnerable people across Greater Manchester.”

Adding

“Whilst I am disappointed that GMP are not achieving best practice at this stage, I will work with the Chief Constable to make sure that they are delivering the best possible service to vulnerable victims. Where we can learn from those forces judged to be in a better position we will do so.
“It’s clear that there is still some important work to be done. I want to reassure the public that when people make that brave step to come forward and speak out against honour-based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation, these reports will be thoroughly investigated and victims will be fully protected.”

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