SOUTH Wales Police have hosted the first roadshow in Wales on forced marriage and honour based violence in partnership with charity Karma Nirvana.

The roadshow was jointly opened by South Wales Police Chief Constable, Peter Vaughan and Jasvinder Sanghera CBE and attended by front line police officers from forces throughout England and Wales, representatives from Welsh Government, Crown Prosecution Service, Health Services in Wales, National Crime Agency, UK Visas and Immigration Service, local authorities and third sector victim support organisations.

The presentation was aimed at providing participants with an understanding of the recent changes to the Anti Social Behaviour, Crime and Police Act 2014 in relation to forced marriage and how to identify indicators of abuse and potential perpetrators.

The roadshow also provided an overview of best practice in managing cases of forced marriage and honour based violence.

Chief Constable Peter Vaughan said: “South Wales Police is delighted to host the first Karma Nirvana roadshow in Wales.

“Together with partner agencies we are committed to raising awareness and tackling the issues surrounding forced marriages and honour based violence.

“Attendees of the roadshow will be even better equipped at understanding new criminal offences relating to forced marriage and honour based violence, as well as improving their ability to identify potential victims and perpetrators, ultimately making our communities safer and enhancing trust and confidence in policing.”