FORCED marriage and so called “honour” violence are abhorrent practices that blight our communities.

The problems, that are often, but not always, linked to the Asian community, are very difficult for the authorities to tackle with victims often finding it very tough to report the crime.

Even the police admit that often families go into denial and pretend to themselves it isn’t going on.

That is why the latest work by the police, Asian community and Blackburn-based community organisation Practical Solutions is to be commended.

New drop-in sessions at community centres will begin in the New Year in a bid to make it easier for people to report the crime as well as gain support and advice.

Forced marriages and arranged marriages are often confused but they couldn’t be more different.

A marriage that is forced is very often filled with violence with the wife living as a slave, held against her will.

The violence perpetrated in these loveless marriages is often referred to as an “honour” crime, but where is the honour in this thuggish behaviour?

It takes a brave woman to stand up to honour violence and any initiative from the police and community groups that makes it any easier for people to get out of the misery of a forced marriage is to be welcomed.