asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they intend to strengthen protection for potential victims of honour crimes; and, if so, in what ways. [HL4294]

The Home Office has been working closely with the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and the National Centre for Policing Excellence (NCPE) to raise the awareness of police officers and staff in relation to the identification and investigation of honour-based violence. As part of this work a risk assessment toolkit for domestic violence incidents has been developed, which includes the presence of factors in relation to honour crimes. Guidance on investigating domestic violence, produced on behalf of ACPO and CENTREX, the national police training provider, in 2004, covers the investigation of cases which may be committed in the name of honour. In October and November 2006 the Attorney-General and Baroness Scotland jointly hosted two seminars on honour killings with community leaders. Within all police forces there should now be measures in place to ensure that officers are aware of domestic violence and related issues, and have the knowledge to deal with it effectively.

In addition, the ACPO national working group on honour-based violence will shortly publish for consultation its proposals for a national action plan to respond to honour-based violence.