Derbyshire Police tackle honour-based abuse 

A group of Derbyshire police officers and staff has received specialist training, including a powerful talk from a victim, as part of the county’s focus on tackling honour-based abuse. 

Derbyshire Constabulary hosted its first Honour-Based Abuse Champions training, creating a team of specialist officers and staff to advise colleagues when responding to incidents of this type of abuse. 

Honour-based abuse is a crime or incident committed to protect or defend the ‘honour’ of a family or community. It can include physical, mental and sexual abuse, forced marriage, controlling behaviour, or being forced to move abroad. Tragically, some cases have resulted in murder. 

As part of the training, Nina Aouilk, founder of End Honour Killings, bravely shared her experiences as a victim and explained the best ways to support those affected. 

DI Alex Hathway, who leads the champions group, said: 

"We are so grateful to Nina for joining us and being so brave and open in telling her story. The knowledge shared so passionately and courageously by her will help officers around the county to safeguard victims and pursue justice. The champions group will continue to grow with future training dates already planned in. Whilst incidents of honour-based abuse are low in Derbyshire, we want to ensure that victims can trust us as we take these incidents seriously, put support in place and take action against offenders." 

The Honour-Based Abuse Champions programme aims to strengthen understanding across the force, helping officers respond effectively and compassionately to victims while ensuring offenders are brought to justice.