MORE honour-based abuse (HBA) offences were recorded in West Yorkshire over the last year, new figures show - despite a fall across England and Wales.

HBA is a crime or incident committed to protect or defend the 'honour' of a family or community.

It can include forced marriage, domestic abuse, sexual violence and threats to kill.

Home Office statistics show 140 HBA-related offences were recorded by West Yorkshire Police in the year to March.

It was an increase from 128 the year before.

Across England and Wales, 2,755 HBA-related offences were recorded by police last year - a fall of eight per cent on the previous 12 months and the first decrease since records began in 2020.

Of the offences last year, 111 were for female genital mutilation - up from 86 the year before.

Forced marriage offences also rose from 173 crimes in 2022-23 to 201 last year.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Raw, of West Yorkshire Police's Safeguarding Governance, said: "There is no honour in any form of abuse.

"We take a victim-centred approach to deal with these challenging issues which respects the views of victims and witnesses, provides the necessary support, confidentiality and protection from harm.

"We know that this is a hidden and under-reported crime and that there is still work to do to encourage reporting, but it is testament to the work that is being done to raise awareness and encourage reporting across the partnership that we have seen more victims coming forward.  

"West Yorkshire Police continues to review training for officers and staff to ensure that we are able to recognise HBA at the earliest opportunity and to ensure that we provide an effective response. 

"If you have been a victim of HBA or have concerns for someone you know then we would urge you to please make contact with the police.

"Officers within our specialist safeguarding units understand the sensitive nature of these offences, and have access to interpreters where they are needed."

West Yorkshire Police can be contacted on 101.

A Home Office spokesperson said: "HBA is a serious form of abuse that nobody should have to experience, which is why we are tackling it through our mission to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

"The Government will use every tool at its disposal to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure victims receive the support they deserve."