Supporting victims of complex and hidden crimes

Supporting victims of complex and hidden crimes

I’m pleased to share an important update on the work we are doing to strengthen the response to honour-based abuse across Dorset. Supporting victims of these complex and often hidden crimes requires not only commitment, but the right expertise and training for those on the frontline. That’s why my Office has worked closely with Dorset Police to help fund and organise specialist training in partnership with Karma Nirvana, a leading charity with deep experience in tackling honour-based abuse and supporting those affected.

This training is designed to equip officers with a clearer understanding of the warning signs, the sensitivities involved, and crucially, how to respond in a way that protects victims and builds trust. By investing in this programme, we are taking a proactive step to ensure that victims in Dorset receive the informed, compassionate, and effective support they deserve.

Tackling this complex issue is a key part of my Police and Crime Plan, and thanks to a successful bid in partnership with Karma Nirvana, we were awarded £5,000, which I was happy to support with additional funding to ensure 23 key officers and staff could receive this training and strengthen our response and awareness of these offences to better serve the Dorset public.

Honour-based abuse involves violence and intimidation to protect or defend the perceived "honour" of a family or community, and it is often rooted in cultural or social beliefs about family reputation, control of behaviour and adherence to traditional norms. Forms of abuse include harassment, stalking, sexual violence, forced marriage and financial control. It is one of the most under-reported forms of abuse in the UK and is often hidden and can involve multiple perpetrators, complex family dynamics, and high levels of risk. All of this means it is a very challenging area for police officers and staff to address.

This is why we looked to the charity Karma Nirvana for their extensive experience in delivering specialist training to police forces and safeguarding professionals. This experience was key, and has contributed to groundbreaking outcomes, including the first prosecutions under UK Forced Marriage legislation. It includes recognising signs of abuse that if missed can lead to homicide. 

The response from the officers and staff attending the three-day training event was overwhelmingly positive. They have described it as informative, engaging and impactful, with many gaining more confidence in recognising risk, and being provided with tools on how to offer advice to colleagues.

Another attendee described the course as “one of, if not the, most enjoyable and tactically informative sessions I have ever attended”. For me, as your PCC, this proves that the Police and Crime Plan is working, with the work of my Office clearly making an impact, not just for the public, but also for hard-working Dorset Police officers and staff.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Graham, Dorset Police’s lead for honour-based abuse, said: “This bespoke training has provided these officers and staff members with an extremely valuable opportunity to broaden their understanding of this challenging area and equip them with the skills to effectively investigate cases of this nature moving forward.

“Not only that, officers and staff will also be able to share their knowledge with colleagues from around the Force to ensure we have a more informed response as an organisation.”

In Dorset, we are clear that honour-based abuse has no place in our communities. Victims must know they will be listened to, believed, and protected, and those responsible will be held to account. By investing in specialist training and working alongside expert organisations such as Karma Nirvana, we are strengthening Dorset’s ability to identify risk earlier, respond more effectively, and safeguard those most vulnerable. While there is more to do, this training marks another important step forward in delivering a stronger, more informed response for victims across Dorset and building safer communities for everyone.

David Sidwick

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner