Legal experts are trying to uncover the scale of honour-based violence in the region and develop better ways of bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Yorkshire and Humberside Crown Prosecution Service hosted a conference yesterday which included discussions about forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

The Telegraph & Argus last year revealed that young girls were being subjected to life-threatening genital mutilation by their families with police warning they will investigate any suspected cases of the practice.

A task group of GPs, school nurses and midwives has now been set up in Bradford to raise awareness of the practice.

It is prevalent in 28 African countries and it is estimated more than 20,000 girls under 15 are at high risk with an estimated 120 women in Bradford being seen by healthcare professionals at Bradford Royal Infirmary in the 18 months up to 2012.

Honour-based violence is often defined as an offence committed to defend the so-called ‘honour’ of a family or community.

Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor Gerry Wareham chaired the summit in Leeds which included representatives from the police, criminal justice agencies, safeguarding units and health and education, as well as victims’ charities.

Speaking ahead of it, Mr Wareham said: “So-called honour-based violence is a fundamental abuse of human rights.

“It cuts across many communities. It is about power and it is about control. It has no place in civilised society. There is no honour in the commission of murder, rape, kidnap, and the many other oppressive acts which make up this criminal behaviour.”

Jasvinder Sanghera, founder of Karma Nirvana, a charity which offers services and support to young women and men who are victims of so-called honour-based abuse, said: “We welcome working with the Crown Prosecution Service on this crucially important area of work. Our helpline is presently receiving in the region of 600 calls per month from victims – more than ever before.”

The helpline is 0800 5999247.