Introduction

This protocol has been developed to assist professionals, community groups, and individuals working and living in Wolverhampton to understand what forced marriage and honour based violence is, to be able to recognise it, and in the event of disclosure of or suspecting forced marriage and honour based violence, to understand what to do and what not to do.

It is important that this protocol is used alongside any existing procedures within your organisation and that you also have regard to safeguarding policies and procedures.

A forced marriage is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties, where some element of duress is a factor. Duress can include physical, psychological, sexual, financial and emotional pressure.

A forced marriage is different from an arranged marriage, which is a respected tradition in many cultures, and where both parties give their consent.

Wolverhampton’s Safeguarding Boards understand forced marriage to be a form of abuse, and a breach of human rights. It is, therefore, important to safeguard any child, young person or adult subjected to a forced marriage.

You should follow this protocol if you:

  • Work directly with children, young people and/or adults.
  • Work with or supervise others who have contact with children or adults.
  • Are a concerned member of the public

Cases should be responded to by using existing structures, policies and procedures designed to safeguard children, young people, adults at risk, and victims of domestic violence and sexual violence.

Definitions

There is a clear distinction between a forced marriage and an arranged marriage. Arranged Marriage

In arranged marriages, the families of both spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage but the choice of whether or not to accept the arrangement remains with the prospective spouses.

Forced Marriage

Forced marriage is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties, where some element of duress is a factor. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and emotional pressure.

The United Nations views Forced Marriage as a form of human rights abuse, since it violates the principle of freedom and the autonomy of individuals. This is acknowledged under the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights, article 16(2):