1. Could you please advise on the number of crimes categorised as honour-based abuse which the constabulary dealt with in 2021 and 2022?
2. Could you give a breakdown of the offences (including physical assault, abduction, rape and murder) which were categorised as honour-based abuse during 2021 and 2022?
The table below represents the number of crimes recorded during the period which were not subsequently cancelled and were flagged as Honour Based Abuse.
|
Offence |
2021 |
2022 |
|---|---|---|
|
Arson |
2 |
0 |
|
Criminal damage |
12 |
3 |
|
Possession of drugs |
1 |
0 |
|
Fraud |
1 |
1 |
|
Miscellaneous crimes against society |
1 |
0 |
|
Public order offences |
13 |
7 |
|
Robbery |
4 |
1 |
|
Other sexual offences |
1 |
1 |
|
Rape |
2 |
6 |
|
Other theft |
3 |
1 |
|
Theft from the person |
0 |
1 |
|
Vehicle offences |
7 |
2 |
|
Homicide |
0 |
1 |
|
Stalking and harassment |
27 |
38 |
|
Violence with injury |
16 |
28 |
|
Violence without injury |
70 |
42 |
|
Total recorded crime |
160 |
132 |
Honour based abuse is an incident or crime involving violence, threats of violence, intimidation, coercion or abuse (including psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional abuse), which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of an individual, family and or community for alleged or perceived breaches of the family and / or community’s code of behaviour.
West Yorkshire police must effectively safeguard victims of honour based abuse and the force has clear policies and procedures in place. Specialist officers located in the Force's district Safeguarding Units are responsible for ensuring the safety of those who report concerns about themselves directly or who are otherwise brought to our attention as being potential victims, ensuring that all crimes are fully investigated and prosecuted wherever possible. Some police interventions in respect of honour based abuse are preventative in nature rather than reactive, for example where we receive concerns from potential victims of honour based abuse where no crime has yet been committed. Our response is always to safeguard that person from coming to harm, for example, by obtaining Forced Marriage Prevention Orders, assisting victims to leave the family by arranging hostel accommodation and co-ordinating access to specialist support agencies.
3. Could you please advise on the number of crimes categorised as ‘coercive control offences’ which the constabulary dealt with in 2021 and 2022?
The table below represents the number of crimes recorded during the period which were not subsequently cancelled and were classified as 8U Controlling or coercive behaviour
|
Offence |
2021 |
2022 |
|---|---|---|
|
8U Controlling or coercive behaviour |
3107 |
3338 |
This information may be subject to further investigation, reclassification and cancelling and will therefore change over time. Crime classifications based on Home Office Counting Rules for Recorded Crime https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/counting-rules-for-recorded-crime
West Yorkshire Police adopt the following definition of domestic abuse:
"Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.
The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
• psychological;
• physical;
• sexual;
• financial; and/or
• emotional."
West Yorkshire Police must effectively safeguard victims of domestic abuse and ensure that police officers and police staff understand risk factors, assess the full circumstances and document the rationale for any decisions they make. Officers take positive action at all stages of the police response, to protect victims and children, whilst aiming to ensure, that the criminal justice system holds the offender to account. In consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the force explore all avenues of investigation and evidence gathering to build a case and enable informed decision making about prosecution, appropriate bail conditions and applications to the court for a domestic violence protection notice or order (DVPN/DVPO) or a restraining order. The force have an excellent working relationship with specialist support agencies to ensure that the victim receives the best possible care.
Please see the following link for further information: Domestic abuse: how to get help - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)