A CAMPAIGN has started in Bradford and neighbouring districts to alert people to the increased risk of forced marriages and honour-based violence over the Easter holidays.

West Yorkshire Police intelligence suggests forced marriages tend to increase during school holidays, when there are more opportunities for families to travel abroad.

Officers are working with schools, airport staff and the community in the run-up to the Easter break to raise awareness of the signs that someone may be forced to marry against their will.

The county's Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson and the Force are spearheading the initiative.

There was an increase in reported incidents relating to forced marriage in West Yorkshire between 2014 and 2015, with 252 reports last year compared to 234 in 2014.

Last year, 47 crimes were recorded for a variety of offences and 29 Forced Marriage Protection Orders imposed.

Detective Superintendent Darren Minton said: "Forced marriage is a largely hidden crime but the information we do have suggests that offences of forced marriage increase over the school holidays when opportunities arise for families to travel abroad.

"We are working to raise awareness of this kind of crime, both for those working in schools, airports and other settings where early signs could be spotted, but also among those at risk of being forced in to marriage."

Det Supt Minton was also encouraged that more victims of forced marriages have come forward over the last two years.

He added: "It is encouraging that we have seen more people coming forward over the last year to report incidents to us.

"If you, or someone who know, has concerns about forced marriage, West Yorkshire Police has specially-trained officers who are here to help and will take every report extremely seriously."

It became a crime to marry someone against their will from June 2014.

A forced marriage is where one, or both people, do not consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is then used.

This pressure can be physical, including threats or sexual violence, or financial, with money not given to a person.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: "Forced marriage and honour-based violence are not acceptable and we must do everything we can to support the brave victims and witnesses who report those responsible for carrying out these crimes.

"I have promised to use my position as Police and Crime Commissioner to raise awareness about these crimes and to help and support victims who have the courage to come forward."

Anyone who wants to report concerns about forced marriage or honour-based violence, can talk to the police via 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Call Safeguarding Units in Calderdale on 01422 337041, Kirklees on 01924 335073 or Bradford on 01274 376116, or the Karma Nirvana helpline on 0800 5999247.

For more information on new forced marriage legislation and support for victims, go to westyorkshire.police.uk/forcedmarriage.