the only option. Their interrupted education can limit their career choices. Even if women manage to find work, however basic, they may be prevented from taking the job or their earnings may be taken from them. This leads to economic dependence, which makes the possibility of leaving the situation even more difficult. Some may be unable to leave the house unescorted – living virtually under house arrest.
Men can also be victims of forced marriage and men should be given the same assistance and respect when they seek help. Men may find it more difficult to admit to being forced into marriage and therefore, may be less likely to seek help.
To gain the trust of the person, police must have a good understanding of the issues surrounding forced marriage and the steps that they can take in order to protect a victim. They need to be aware that people living within a forced marriage, or those under threat of one, may face significant harm if their families become aware that they have sought assistance from an agency whether it is police, social care or a voluntary or community-based organisation. The person's safety must come first. In many cases, it may not be in their best interest to remain with the family or even in the immediate vicinity. For these reasons, all cases of forced marriage, actual or suspected, are referred to the public protection unit for further specialist support for the victim.
When an officer suspects a forced marriage they will:
See them immediately in a secure and private place where the conversation cannot be overheard
See them on their own – even if they attend with others
Will work through an aide-memoire which directs police to consider all risk factors and will direct them to take their DNA, photographs, fingerprints and family tree
Explain all their options to them
Recognise and respect their wishes
Perform a risk assessment, complete CAADA DASH Assessment
Contact, as soon as possible, the public protection unit and duty Inspector
Consideration will be given to a threats to life assessment
If the young person is under 18 years of age, refer them to children's services and the public protection unit's child abuse investigation team. A police protection order will always be considered:
If the person is an adult with support needs, refer them to the vulnerable adult hub and adult social services
Reassure them about confidentiality i.e. practitioners will not inform their family
Establish a way of contacting them discreetly in the future
Consider the need for immediate protection and placement away from the family