Forced Marriage Practitioner Guidance - update 2014

One chance checklist

You may only have one chance to speak to a potential victim of forced marriage and, therefore, only one chance to save a life

• See the victim^[1] on their own - even if they are accompanied by others
• See them immediately in a secure and private place where you will not be overheard
• Reassure them about confidentiality (in line with your organisation's policy) and explain that you will not give information to her family/friends or community
• Accept what they say
• Explain all the options* to her and their possible outcomes
• Recognise and respect her wishes
• Assess the risk they face by conducting a thorough risk assessment
• Contact, as soon as possible, the lead worker responsible for forced marriage. For children under 18 refer to social work services who will implement the correct protection procedures depending on the specific circumstances
• Agree a way to contact them safely (for example agree a code word)
• Obtain full details to pass on to the lead worker and record these safely
• Give them (or help them memorise) your contact details and/or those of a support agency such as Women's Aid
• Consider the need for immediate police involvement, protection and placement away from the family and arrange this if necessary; this includes any action to stop them from being removed from the UK
• Do everything you can to keep her safe
• Get immediate advice if you are not sure what to do

DO NOT

• Send them away or let them leave without a safety plan and follow up arrangements
• Approach their friends/family or community unless she asks you to do so
• Approach community leaders for advice
• Share information with anyone without their express consent (unless there is a risk of immediate harm to their or any children or they lack the capacity to give consent or she is unable to give informed consent)
• Attempt to mediate with the family

*This may be in tandem with criminal investigation/proceedings (see Key Practice Messages section)