Forced Marriage Protection Order IDVA 6 month pilot : September 1st March 31st 2010 The Ministry of Justice

ce have funded a pilot scheme to support women through accessing a Forced Marriage Protection Order. The money allocated is being used to fund an IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advisor) whose role it is to address the safety of victims and potential victims of Forced Marriage, those being at high risk. This includes offering support to those victims who are seeking FMPO in any of the county courts of High Court jurisdiction designated to deal with such applications under the Forced Marriage (civil protection) Act 2007. The most local being Willesden County Court. If you are working with someone or know of anyone who needs help with any issues relating to Forced Marriages please let her know about ADVANCE and we may be able to support her. Did you know? Forced marriage is not the same as an arranged marriage. In an arranged marriage, both spouses can choose whether or not to accept the arrangement. In forced marriage, one or both spouses do not (or, in the case of some adults with disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, sexual, financial and emotional pressure Although there is no specific criminal offence in England and Wales of forcing someone to marry, criminal offences may nevertheless be committed. Perpetrators usually parents or family members could be prosecuted for offences including threatening behaviour, assault, kidnap, abduction, theft (of passport), threats to kill, imprisonment and murder. Sexual intercourse without consent is rape, regardless of whether this occurs within a marriage or not. A woman who is forced into marriage is likely to be raped and may be raped until she becomes pregnant. Forced marriage is recognised in the UK as a form of violence against women, domestic/child abuse and a serious abuse of human rights. Hundreds of people in the UK (particularly girls and young women) some as young as 9 are forced into marriage each year. Some are taken overseas to marry whilst others may be married in the UK.

The warning signs of forced marriage can include: A history of older siblings leaving education early and marrying early Depressive behaviour including self-harming and attempted suicide Unreasonable restrictions such as being kept at home by their parents (house arrest) or being unable to complete their education A person always being accompanied including to school and doctors appointments.

The one chance rule Practitioners may only have one chance to speak to a potential victim of forced marriage and thus they may only have one chance to save a life. If a victim is allowed to walk out of the door without support being offered, that one chance might be wasted. The guidelines set out what practitioners should do if that one chance arises. What you should do:

the victim

Take the issue seriously and recognise the potential risk of harm to

Do not:

See them on their own in a private place where the conversation cannot be overheard Gather as much information as possible about the victim it may be the only opportunity Remind them of their rights i.e. that they have the right to enter into marriage with their full and free consent and the right to make decisions about their lives Discuss the case with the Forced Marriage Unit on 020 70080151

Send the victim away and dismiss the allegation of forced marriage as a domestic issue

Inform the victims family, friends or members of the community that the victim has sought help

Attempt to be a mediator In cases of forced marriage, it is important that agencies do not actively initiate, encourage or facilitate family counselling, mediation, arbitration or reconciliation whether offered by community councils, religious or professional groups. There have been cases of women being murdered by their families during mediation. Mediation can also place someone at risk of further emotional and physical abuse. Referrals: We can take referrals for any women resident in the Brent area or using the Willesden Court for FMPO who is 16+ years old and consents to a referral being made. We will offer support which may include making referrals to specialist services when necessary.

Please contact ADVANCE for further information on 020 8733 3751 / 3970 / 3715 www.advanceadvocacyproject.org.uk