Forced Marriage Guidelines for Healthcare Professionals in Manchester The Manchester Citywide NHS Domestic Violence Project
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Forced Marriage Guidelines for Healthcare
Professionals in Manchester
The Manchester Citywide NHS Domestic Violence
Project
January 2006
These guidelines for Healthcare professionals are based on, and
compatible with, already published forced marriages guidelines for
Police Officers, Social Care Staff, and staff working in Education
settings in Manchester.Forced Marriage Guidelines for Health professionals
Introduction
Forced marriage is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of both parties, where
some element of duress is a factor. This is different from an arranged marriage, which is a
respected tradition in many cultures. Forced marriage cannot be justified on religious
grounds. Forced marriage is not a religious issue and to describe it as such feeds
prejudice and intolerance. Freely given consent of both parties is a prerequisite of
Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh marriages.
In 1999 the Home Office established a Working Group to investigate the extent of the
problem of forced marriage. The Working Group published a report in June 2000 ‘A
Choice by Right’. Following this report the Home Office and Foreign and
Commonwealth Office published a joint action plan, which set out their strategy for
addressing the problem. One of the first stages of the strategy was to produce guidelines
for the police, social workers and teachers in dealing with cases of forced marriage.
These guidelines were launched in May 2002. The FCO is currently developing
guidelines for the health sector nationally.
Manchester Health Trusts and the Manchester NHS Citywide Steering Group define
forced marriage as a form of abuse and a fundamental breach of human rights. It is,
therefore, important to safeguard any children, young people or adult woman subjected to
a forced marriage. These guidelines are produced by the Manchester NHS Citywide
Domestic Violence Project, on behalf of the Manchester NHS Citywide Domestic
Violence Steering Group, to guide health professionals working in this area and to assist
any health professional who has concerns, as it has many parallels with child abuse and
domestic violence. It should be remembered that where there are allegations of abuse or
neglect, health services have a duty to make enquiries under Section 47 of the Children
Act 1989, and that forced marriage can amount to sexual and emotional abuse and put
children and young people at risk of physical abuse.
Health professionals working with children, young people and adult women facing forced
marriage should be ready to give guidance to them about their rights and the choices open
to them. It is important to note that an individual health professional’s own cultural,
religious belief and value system should not interfere with the individual service user’s
need for support and they should always be enabled to access the most relevant services.
2The Difference Between Arranged and Forced Marriages
A forced marriage is one that is conducted without the consent of both parties, where
duress is a factor. In an arranged marriage families of both spouses take a leading role in
arranging the marriage, but the choice whether to accept the arrangement remains with
the individuals.
‘The tradition of arranged marriage has operated successfully within many communities
and many countries for a long time and remains the preferred choice of many young
people’.
(Home Office Working Group : Forced Marriages – ‘A Choice by Right’, June 2000 )
Forced marriage is primarily, but not exclusively, an issue of violence against women.
Most cases involve young women and girls between 13 and 30, although there is
evidence to suggest that as many as 15 per cent of victims are male. This procedure is
not about arranged marriages.
Hannah Siddiqui, Co-ordinator of the Southall Black Sister, a Campaigning Group states:
‘ There is a whole spectrum of pressure placed on young girls ranging from subtle,
emotional pressure or harassment, threats of violence, abduction, rape and even murder.
Imagine you respect your heritage and your parents. They are very nice to you and care
about you, but you still feel you cannot speak up against being married off. Even in that
context, an arranged marriage then becomes a forced marriage’.
Incidence of Forced Marriage
Currently some 250 cases of forced marriage are reported to the Foreign &
Commonwealth Office nationally each year. Many more cases come to the attention of
the Police, Social Services, Health, Education and Voluntary Organisations. Many others
go unreported. With greater awareness, the number of cases reported is likely to increase.
The true rate of incidents of forced marriage is unknown in Manchester due to under
reporting. However, locally we know that there were 105 cases that came to the attention
of the 6 Manchester refuges in 2004-5, and this number is likely to increase as knowledge
and awareness is heightened.
The majority of cases of forced marriage encountered in the UK involve South Asian
families. This is partly a reflection of the fact that there is a large, established South
Asian population in the UK. Indeed, it is clear that forced marriage is not solely a South
Asian problem and there have been cases involving families from East Asia, the Middle
East, Europe and Africa. Some forced marriages take place in the UK with no overseas
element, while others involve a partner coming from overseas or a British citizen being
sent aboard. The guidelines deal with these different situations.
3Motives Prompting Forced Marriage
Parents who force their children to marry often justify their behaviour as protecting their
children, building stronger families and preserving cultural or religious traditions. They
do not see anything wrong in their actions. Forced marriage cannot be justified on
religious grounds; every major faith condemns it and freely given consent is a
prerequisite of Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh marriages.
Often parents believe that they are upholding the cultural traditions of their home
country, when in fact practices and values there have changed. Some parents come under
significant pressure from their extended families to get their children married. In some
instances, an agreement may have been made about marriage when a child is in their
infancy.
Some of the key motives that have been identified are:
¾ Controlling unwanted behaviour and sexuality ( including perceived promiscuity,
or being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender ) – particularly the behaviour
and sexuality of women;
¾ Protecting ‘family honour’;
¾ Responding to peer group or family pressure.
¾ Attempting to strengthen family links.
¾ Ensuring land, property and wealth remain within the family.
¾ Protecting perceived cultural ideas which are misguided.
¾ Preventing ‘unsuitable’ relationships e.g. outside the ethnic, cultural, religious or
caste group.
¾ Assisting claims for residence and citizenship.
¾ Fulfilling long standing family commitments
While it is important to have an understanding of the motives that drive parents to force
their children to marry, these motives should not be accepted as justification for denying
them the right to choose a marriage partner. Forced marriage should always be
recognised as a human rights abuse.
Legislative context
¾ Forced marriage is a violation of internationally recognised human rights
standards. Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of
the intending spouses’. (Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 16 (2)).
¾ ‘State parties shall ensure on a basis of equality of men and women ... the same
right freely to choose a spouse to enter into marriage only with their full and free
consent’. (Convention to Eliminate all forms of Discrimination against Women,
article 16 (1), (b)).
4¾ ‘A woman’s right to choose a spouse and enter freely into marriage is central to
her life and dignity, and equality as a human being’. (General recommendation
No 21, UN Committee on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against
Women ).
The Marriage Act 1949 and the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 govern the law on
marriage in England and Wales. The minimum age at which a person is able to consent
to a marriage is 16; a person between the ages of 16 and 18 may not marry without
parental consent ( unless the person is a widow / widower ).
Section 12C of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973 states that a marriage shall be voidable
if ‘either party to the marriage did not validly consent to it, whether in consequence of
duress, mistake, unsoundness of mind or otherwise’. Voidable means the marriage is
valid until it is challenged by one of the parties, at which time the court can award a
decree of nullity invalidating the marriage. In April 2002 a judge annulled a marriage
following evidence that the woman had been deceived and frightened into marrying.
Although there is no specific criminal offence of ‘forcing someone to marry’, within
England and Wales there are crimes that may be committed when forcing someone into
marriage. The following list is not exhaustive: common assault, harassment, cruelty to
persons under 16, failure to secure regular attendance at school of a registered pupil, theft
(i.e. passport), child abduction, abduction of unmarried girl under the age of 16 from
parent or guardian, abduction of a woman by force or for the sake of her property, aiding
and abetting a criminal offence, kidnapping, false imprisonment and murder. Sexual
intercourse without consent is rape (See appendix 3).
The Victim
People forced into marriage often become estranged from their families. Sometimes they
themselves become trapped in the cycle of abuse with serious long-term consequences.
Many women forced into a marriage suffer for many years from domestic violence. They
feel unable to leave because of their children, a lack of family support, economic
pressures and other social circumstances. They may live within a forced marriage for
many years before they feel able to challenge the situation. Some victims may be
vulnerable adults. They may have a disability or learning difficulty and be unable to
challenge the situation.
Isolation is one of the biggest problems facing victims of forced marriage. They may feel
they have no one to speak to about their situation. These feelings of isolation are very
similar to those experienced by victims of domestic violence and child abuse.
Isolation is also very real for those who have escaped a forced marriage or the threat of
one. For many, running away is their first experience of living away from home and they
suffer without their family, friends and their usual environment. They often live in fear
of their own families who will go to considerable lengths to find them and ensure their
5return. Families may solicit the help of others to find their runaways (e.g. bounty hunters
and members of the community), or involve the Police by accusing the person of a crime.
Some families have even managed to trace people through local taxi drivers and
shopkeepers.
For people, especially females from ethnic minority communities, leaving their family
can be especially hard. Family occupies a much more important role, and the person may
have no experience of life outside the family. In addition, leaving their family (or
accusing them of a crime or simply approaching statutory agencies for help) may be seen
as bringing shame on the honour of the family in the eyes of the community. This may
lead to social ostracism and harassment from the family and community. For many, this
is simply not a price they are prepared to pay.
People forced to marry, or those who fear they may be forced to marry, are frequently
withdrawn from education, restricting their educational and personal development. They
may feel unable to go against the wishes of their parents and consequently may suffer
emotionally, often leading to depression and self-harm. Studies have shown that the
suicide rate of Asian women is two to three times the national average and contributory
factors include lack of self-determination, excessive control, and the weight of
expectations on the role of women and their marriages (Young Asian women and self-
harm: mental health needs assessment of young Asian women in Newham, East London,
Newham Asian Women’s Project and Newham Inner-city Multifund 1998 ).
These factors can contribute to impaired social development, limited career and
educational opportunities, financial dependence and lifestyle restrictions. The act of
forcing a person to marry takes away their freedom to choose a partner and is an abuse of
their human rights.
The needs of victims of forced marriage will vary widely. They may need help avoiding
the threat of a forced marriage. Or they may need help dealing with the consequences of
a forced marriage that has already taken place.
Whatever a person’s unique circumstances, they have rights that should always be
considered, including:
¾ The person’s wishes
¾ Personal safety and the level of risk to the person
¾ Confidentiality
¾ Accurate information about rights and choices
The Role of Health Professionals
Forced marriage has many parallels with domestic violence and child abuse. For many
people, turning to a health professional, is a last resort. Many people will not even
discuss their worries with their friends for fear that their families may find out.
Frequently, when a person first presents they may not mention the words forced or
arranged marriage. Instead the may present with a variety of specific or more general
6health problems, and these can include contraception, immunisations, general physical
health issues and episodes of mental health including depression, anxiety or self-harm.
Health professionals need to be sensitive to the fact that these presenting problems could
mean that forced marriage is an underlying issue, and ensure that they consider this when
dealing with the case.
Some cases of forced marriage take place in the UK and in others a person may be taken
overseas and forced to marry. In either situation, health professionals should always be
ready to ask about forced or arranged marriage, family dynamics, and to signpost the
person to services that can give the person information,\advice and support about their
rights and the choices open to them.
To gain the confidence of the person, a health professional needs to have a good
understanding of the issues surrounding forced marriage and the steps that can be taken in
order to protect the person. Health professionals 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 either from statutory agencies
such as Health, Children, Families and Social Care and Police, or from voluntary /
community based organisations. It is essential that people are not returned home without
due consideration being given to their safety and in many cases it may not be in the
persons best interest to remain within the family home.
Health professionals are often the first statutory agency that people turn to, and are
therefore in an ideal position to identify and respond to ‘victims’ needs at an early stage.
If a health professionals suspects that a person may be being forced, pressured or coerced
into marriage then it is important to ask sensitively the question. However, just as with
domestic violence questions about forced marriage should never be asked in front of
anyone else, and the health professional will need to find a way of seeing their patients
unattended, or with a suitable trained interpreter. Do not use family members, friends,
neighbours or community leaders as interpreters – individuals may feel embarrassed to
discuss personal issues in front of them and sensitive information may be passed on to
others. Furthermore, such an interpreter may deliberately mislead health professionals
and / or encourage the person to abandon their request for help / complaint and comply
with the family. Contact the interpretation service and request an interpreter not related to
area of person to be interviewed.
It is likely that the person will probably be anxious and distressed. Disclosure should be
free from interruptions and take place in a private and safe part of the health setting.
7What to do when a person discloses
This first disclosure and the health professional’s reaction to it is critical, as any negative
response may drive the person back to an isolating and abusive situation. Remember the
health professional’s own value or belief system should never be allowed to interfere with
the need to support the service user as outlined in these guidelines.
¾ Treat people with respect and dignity, listen to what is being said, believe them,
reassure them that the violence is not their fault, and don’t judge or make
assumptions.
¾ If disclosure occurs then the health professional should ask the service user if they
wish to continue discussing the issue with them, or whether they would prefer to
talk to someone else.
¾ If possible the individual should be offered somebody of the same gender, or race,
to speak to.
¾ They may not want to be seen by a health professional from their own
community.
¾ If the person insists on being accompanied during the consultation e.g. by a
teacher or advocate, ensure that the accompanying person understands the
implications of confidentiality especially with regard to the person’s family.
¾ It is important to encourage the person to have a excuse for visiting a health
professional in case someone from their community etc sees them.
¾ Medical/health needs should always be attended to.
¾ Health professionals should give information around sources of help and support
available.
¾ Health professionals should explore the options with the individual and assess
what support the person needs to take the next step.
¾ Seek to empower people to make informed decisions and choices about their
lives.
¾ Recognise the skills and contributions which other agencies are able to make.
¾ Health professionals should always offer to refer the person to a service to whom
they can talk in confidence about what they have experienced/or are experiencing
e.g. The Manchester Advice Domestic Violence Health Advocacy and Advice
Team; direct them to the NHS DV Project’s website on www.endthefear.co.uk;
the national or local domestic violence help line, Domestic Violence Outreach
Worker or Refuge Worker, Women's Aid, or the St Mary’s Sexual Assault Centre.
The person can also contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Forced
Marriages Unit (useful agencies to contact can be found at appendix 1).
¾ Health workers should record appropriately and consider what, if any information
needs to be shared.
¾ If the victim is a vulnerable adult, consider using witness support or an
intermediary, and follow vulnerable adult guidelines.
¾ If the person is a child then child protection guidelines must be followed.
¾ Ensure that the safety of the individual (and any dependent children) are of
paramount importance. Consider: ‘Will my intervention leave this person in
greater safety or greater danger’
8¾ Respect confidentiality and privacy, recognise the real dangers, which may be
created if this is breached. Consider this in relation to the use of interpreters from
the same community.
¾ Health workers should ensure that they do not put themselves or their colleagues
at risk in a potentially violent situation.
Although it is unlikely that any single agency will be able to meet all the needs of the
person who is affected by forced marriage, it is probable that health agencies will play a
significant role in protecting the interests of the person. This can be achieved not only by
offering practical and emotional support by listening to the person, respecting their
wishes and providing them with information about their rights and choices.
Safe future contact
In order to offer follow on support ensure the person knows that they can ask for an
emergency patient slot, or book an appointment, and can come back and see the health
professional at a later date. It is important that the health professional is pro-active and
establish whether they can be contacted in confidence at work, at school or through a
trusted friend, teacher, colleague, sibling or organisation etc. If the person wants to see a
support agency then health settings can be one of the safest places to meet, and health
professionals should offer to create ‘dummy’ appointments in order to hide the fact that
the person is meeting someone else.
Mobile Phones
¾ Establish whether the person or another family member pays the bill as the record
of calls made may place the person at risk of harm.
¾ Establish a code word to ensure that you are speaking to the right person.
¾ Ensure as far as reasonably possible that text messages cannot be intercepted.
E- Mail
¾ Ensure as far as reasonably possible that no one else can open the person’s e mail
messages.
Post
¾ Ensure as far as reasonably possible any postal address for correspondence is safe
and letters cannot be intercepted.
Remember :
¾ In some cases, contact will be through a third party who is the only link to the
person. This situation can arise when a person has been taken overseas.
9Do Not :
¾ Meet them at their new address, refuge or friend’s house. You may be followed.
¾ Put the person at risk of harm.
¾ Put yourself at risk of harm.
¾ Speak to the person in the presence of ‘friends, relatives etc’.
Sharing information and confidentiality
Health professionals may be concerned about confidentiality and recording information
that could unintentionally harm a person experiencing forced marriage.
Health professionals must not try to mediate between family / or partners, or carry
messages or gifts from one partner to another or pass information to other third parties
including family members and friends. If people who experience domestic violence wish
to make contact with ex-partners, family or friends they are capable of doing this for
themselves.
All staff must understand, and be honest about their efforts to maintain confidentiality,
and specific about the limitations of confidentiality. Wherever possible confidentiality
should be assured and maintained as defined in Trust policy. Confidentiality is a
woman’s right and should not be breached unless it is in the public interest to do so.
However, it is important to follow Calidcott guidelines and to consider when it is in the
public interest to share information. In some cases it is appropriate for health
professionals to share information with their supervisor/manager, with colleagues in the
team, with the child protection/adult protection advisor etc.
Information may also need to be discussed with the staff members line manger or specific
team members for the purposes of delivering the service.
It may also be appropriate to share information with professionals from other agencies.
Examples of when it might be in the public interest to share with others includes:
¾ Where there are Child Protection issues, health professionals will need to refer to
the ACPC guidelines on forced marriages.
¾ Where a child, young person or adult woman’s life is imminently in danger.
¾ Where a child, young person or adult woman is likely to be removed from the
country, or goes missing.
¾ Where a perpetrator is likely to put the lives of others in danger.
It is important then to remember that:
10¾ Confidentiality is an issue of fundamental importance for people experiencing or
under threat of forced marriage.
¾ Failure to apply the principles of confidentiality could have disastrous
implications
¾ It is important to pass on information on a ‘need to know’ basis with the
knowledge of the person whenever possible
¾ Where there may be child protection issues it will be necessary to override a
child’s wishes – in these cases workers must consult local child protection and
forced marriages guidelines and seek advice.
¾ Where there may be adult protection issues it will be necessary to override a
adult’s wishes – in these cases workers must consult local adult protection and
forced marriages guidelines and seek advice.
¾ If confidentiality should be breached in the public interest, staff should consult a
manager or supervisor and make a record of the reasons for their decision and
course of action.
Record Keeping
It is essential to keep a record of nature of the abuse, any injuries, and the frequency - all
of which will inform future risk assessments for staff and may be needed as evidence by
the victim.
It is important to record and pass onto Children’s Services :-
Any child protection concerns
Any information given about sources of local help and support
Any action taken (i.e. accommodation move, referral to a Child Protection
Team)
All information recorded about incidents of domestic violence are to be recorded on a
service user’s notes and kept safely and securely, never record this information on hand
held notes. Physical safety can depend on the notes being kept securely, including
information about the service user’s address, particularly if the person’s family is
registered with the same practice or hospital.
Where the individual moves accommodation, other involved bodies and other agencies
will be informed only that the reason for the move was forced marriage/domestic
violence etc, they do not need any further details unless the individual concerned
consents to them being passed on.
Disabled people and vulnerable adults
¾ Some people forced to marry may be disabled or have learning disabilities.
¾ Disabled people under 18 years old are automatically ‘children in need’.
¾ Disabled people over 18 are automatically ‘vulnerable adults’.
¾ In either case, they should receive assistance from health professionals.
11There have been reports of people and vulnerable adults with mental and physical
disabilities being forced to marry. Some individuals do not have the capacity to consent
to the marriage. Some individuals may be unable to consent to consummate the marriage
– sexual intercourse without consent is rape. Compelling, inciting or facilitating a person
with impaired capacity for choice to engage in sexual activity without consent is also an
offence under the Sexual Offenders Act 2003.
Disabled people under the age of 18
The Children Act 1989 states that a child / person is deemed to be ‘in need’ if :
¾ They are unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or
development without services from the Local Authority.
¾ Their health or development is likely to be significantly impaired without the
provision of services.
¾ They are disabled.
In this context, a person is considered disabled if they have any form of sensory
impairment (medical evidence will be required), suffer from a mental disorder of any
kind, or are subsequently and permanently disabled by illness, injury or congenital
deformity or other such disability as may be prescribed.
Disabled vulnerable adults over the age of 18
The broad definition of a vulnerable adult is a person, over the age of 18:
‘who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other
disability, age or illness and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or
unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation’
( Who decides ? Law Commission Green Paper, 1997)
In these circumstances, ‘harm’ should incorporate all forms of ill treatment including
physical, sexual and emotional abuse. It should also include any ill treatment that leads
to the impairment of, or avoidable deterioration in, physical or mental health; and the
impairment of physical, intellectual, emotional, social or behavioural development.
If the individual is a disabled person or vulnerable adult health professionals must :
¾ Refer to the Police if there is any suspicion of a crime having taken place.
12¾ Refer, if the person is over 18, to Manchester’s local inter-agency policy on the
protection of vulnerable adults ( No Secrets, 2000 ).
¾ Assess the vulnerability of the person and ensure their immediate safety.
¾ Document any injuries and arrange a medical examination.
¾ Assess the risk of repeated, or increasingly serious, acts involving this or other
people e.g. siblings.
¾ Consider admitting the person, or finding a temporary place of safety within a
health setting, until a more suitable place of safety can be found.
Do Not :
¾ Have family members or others present at the consultation.
¾ Put the person at risk of harm.
¾ Put yourself at risk of harm.
¾ Send the person back to the family home against their wishes.
Legal Position
The options available to a health professional to protect a vulnerable adult at risk of being
forced into marriage, and who may be deemed incapable of informed consent, are
limited.
One course of action is to apply to the court through a ‘next friend’ under the inherent
jurisdiction of the court. The court then makes a ‘best interest’ declaration on behalf of
the vulnerable adult; this can lead to an injunction(s) which may be able to protect the
vulnerable adult from, for instance, being taken abroad etc. It should be recognised,
however, that this is a relatively untested scenario.
An alternative course of action, which may sometimes be appropriate, if the vulnerable
adult is suffering from ‘a learning impairment that amounts to unusually aggressive or
irresponsible behaviour’ is to seek a Guardianship Order under the Mental Health Act
(MHA ) 1983. The main thrust of the Mental Health Act, however, relates to the
disposition, management and protection of the property of an adult who is incapable of
ordering their own affairs. It may not, therefore, be the most relevant approach.
13Appendix 1: Sources of support
Manchester City Council 0161 234 5000
Manchester Children, Families & Social Care 0161 255 8250
Manchester Housing 0161 234 4722
St Mary’s Sexual Assault Centre (24 hours/7 days a week) 0161 276 6515
If a service user has been raped or sexually assaulted
Manchester Advice DV Advocacy and Advice Team
This team can provide information and advice on housing options, including emergency
accommodation, on how to access benefits, and how to minimise any debts that the
woman might have. They can also advocate on the woman’s behalf and refer to other
sources of support. This might include emotional support, assistance with legal issues,
safety planning and children’s issues. An advocacy worker will meet the woman
wherever she feels is most appropriate (as long as it is safe) or will work with her over
the phone, or by e-mail.
To make a referral, first obtain the woman’s consent and check with her the best methods
for the team to make contact with her. Or she can contact them directly and self refer.
Telephone number 07798 947596
By e-mail at dvadvocacy@manchester.gov.uk
Emergency accommodation
For emergency accommodation in Manchester contact:
• Women’s Direct Access Centre (24 hours) for women without children
0161 219 6050
• Men’s Direct Access (24 hours) for men without children
0161 273 7306
• Homeless Families for families with children
0161 234 4744 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm)
0161 224 6452 (Other times)
Manchester City Council Homelessness Domestic Violence Outreach Team
• A free and confidential service for women and men who are, or have, experienced
domestic violence. Providing housing related support aimed at preventing
homelessness and support for people who need to move and people who become
homeless.
0161 234 5328/5408/5387
• A floating support service for children who have witnessed or experienced
domestic violence.
0161 234 5394/ 5338
14• Legal advice and advocacy including easily accessible information on possible
legal remedies and proceedings, and help to liaise with the police and solicitors.
0161 234 5341
Outreach services
Confidential community-based support service for women who have experienced/are
experiencing domestic violence and/or forced marriage including: telephone support,
drop in, home visits, support with letter writing/form filling, signposting to other agencies
and aftercare support to women who have been rehoused in the area
Central Manchester Women's Aid Outreach Project (Monday-Friday, 10am – 4pm)
0161 273 4366 or on-line at: outreachcmwa@btconnect.com
North Manchester Women's Aid Outreach Project (Monday – Friday, 9.30am – 5pm
0161 953 4075 or on-line at: nmwa@alwaysfast.co.uk
South Manchester Women's Aid Outreach Service (Monday-Thursday, 9am – 5pm)
0161 861 8428 or on-line at: smwa@smwa.fsworld.co.uk
Wythenshawe Women's Aid Outreach Service (Monday -Friday 9am - 4.30pm)
07711 202135 or online at: wwa.outreach@hotmail.com
Discus: provides outreach advice and support to women and children living in Beswick,
Openshaw or Clayton (Monday – Thursday, 9am – 4.30 pm)
0161 220 9914
Hosla Asian women's outreach project (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
0161 226 6812 or on-line at: Hosla.centre@virgin.net
African and Caribbean women's outreach project (Monday – Thursday, 9am – 5pm)
0161 227 9422
Referral Process to a Refuge
There are 6 refuges in the Central Manchester areas:
1. Central Manchester Women’s Aid: 0161 273 4366
2. North Manchester Women’s Aid: 0161 953 4075
3. South Manchester Women’s Aid: 0161 861 8428
4. Saheli Asian Women’s Refuge: 0161 945 4187
5. Sojurners House: Black Women’s Refuge: 0161 8604702
6. Wythenshawe Women’s Aid: 0161 998 2006
7. North Manchester Women’s Aid: 0161 202 5002
North Manchester WA also offers an out of hours
service 7 days a week, until 9pm, to contact the on
15call number. 07736 147656
In Greater Manchester there are also the following refuges:
1. Stockport Women’s Aid: 0161 4774271
2. Trafford Women’s Aid: 0161282 0097
3. Salford Women’s Aid: 0161 736 0732
4. Tameside Women’s Aid: 0161 339 8755
5. Oldham Family Crisis: 0161 628 4991
6. Bury Women’s Aid: 0161 839 8574/0161 636 7525 (DV
help line)
1. Contact should be made to the Housing Contact Centre Number : 0161 953 2525
or Domestic Violence Help Line Contact 0161 839 8574/0161 636 7525 between
the hours of 10am-4pm ideally. The help line will have information on all the bed
spaces in the refuges in the North West. If refuge space is in short supply in
Manchester; you may need to look further a field, in which case you should
contact Women’s Aid National 24 hour Help line for national bed space
information within refuges on 0808 2000 247.
2. Provide as much information as you can regarding the woman including her age,
address, any special needs and where the woman is currently staying, brief outline
of your contact with woman and any contact details. Include any details about
where would be unsafe for her in Manchester. This is particularly important as she
may have extended family/friend networks in other parts of Manchester which
could make those areas unsafe for her
3. The Help line will then contact the refuges with bed space and ask them to contact
you. Ensure that you provide them with your contact details.
4. Once a refuge space has been found, the refuges workers will need to speak to
you as the referring professional and the woman herself (this may be done later
depending on whether the woman can talk safely on the phone at this point). If the
woman is in a safe space ensure that she is able to use a phone to speak to refuges
staff. If the woman is still within the abusive context, try to establish contact with
the woman to inform her of your progress and what is happening. The priority is
to ensure that the woman can leave the abusive context safely and establish
contact with refuge.
5. The refuge will require all relevant information about the woman and will then
provide a decision over refuge availability.
6. The woman will need to be transported to the refuge. Workers accompanying the
woman will be given information as to the whereabouts of the refuge. This
information is highly confidential and should not be written on any notes. All
refuge will have a PO BOX address, however, which may be written down for
16future contact. NO information should be passed to any family members, friends,
at any point as this could endanger the woman.
Helpful numbers to call for advice
Advice is also available from:
Rohina Ghafoor
Manchester Royal Infirmary Hospital
Social Work Team 0161 276 4171
Sandhya Sharma
Central Manchester Women’s Aid 0161 273 4366
Home Office Help Line Numbers 020 7008 0230 or
020 7008 0109
Contacting the police
Referral to Police to report an incident 872 5050
Or in an EMERGENCY 999
CID Main Office Numbers
‘A’ Division (North Division) Detective Inspector 856 3543
(Name’s Change regularly)
Family Support Unit Detective Sergeant 856 3703
‘B’ & ‘C’ Division (South and Central) 856 6143
Detective inspector (Name’s Change regularly)
Family Support unit Detective Sergeant 856 6135
National Support Agencies
This section gives details of local and national professional / support agencies
including addresses, telephone numbers, and an explanation of the service.
Careline 020 8514 1177
This is a national confidential counselling line for children, young people and adults on
any issue including family, marital and relationship problems, child abuse, rape and
sexual assault, depression and anxiety.
17Child Line 0800 1111
This service is for any child or young person with a problem.
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, confidential and impartial information and
advice on a wide range of subjects including consumer rights, debt, benefits, housing,
employment, immigration, family and personal matters. For a list of branches see
‘Citizens Advice Bureau’ in the telephone directory.
Language Line 020 7520 1430
This service can provide an interpreter in the telephone immediately in 100 different
languages, 24 hours a day.
London Lesbian and Gay Switchboard 020 7837 7324
This service provides a 24 hour help line.
Broken Rainbow Helpline (9am-5pm Monday to Friday) 08452 604460
If you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender and experiencing domestic violence
contact:
NSPCC 0800 096 7719
Gatwick Travel Care 01293 504283
This service ensures that people are able to leave the airport and arrive at their destination
safely and without delay. Victims of forced marriage may require assistance when they
arrive at Gatwick and Travel Care can be contacted for advice. The service is available
from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am – 4.00 pm Saturday, Sunday and
Bank Holidays.
Heathrow Travel Care 020 8745 7495
This service ensure that people are able to leave the airport and arrive at their destination
safely and without delay. Victims of forced marriage may require assistance when they
arrive at Heathrow and Travel Care can be contacted for advice. The service is available
from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.
18MIND 0845 7660162
(Legal help line) 0208 5192122
MIND is a mental health charity working for a better life foe everyone with experience of
mental distress. Their services include a legal help line.
Victim Support 0845 30 30 900
Victim Support offers information and support to victims of crime, whether or not they
have reported the crime, whether or not they have reported the crime to the Police. All
help given is free and confidential. You can contact Victim Support direct, or ask the
Police to put you in touch with your local group. The national help line is open from 9.00
am – 9.00 pm Monday – Friday and from 9.00 am – 7.00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and
Bank Holidays.
Free Phone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Help Line 0808 2000 247
The Free phone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Help line is run in partnership by
Women’s Aid and Refuge. The help line is staffed 24 hours a day by fully trained help
line support workers and volunteers. It is a member of Language Line, can provide
access to interpreters and can also access the BT Type Talk Service for deaf callers. The
help line provides confidential support, information and a listening ear to women
experiencing domestic abuse and to those seeking help on a woman’s behalf. Help line
staff will discuss and if appropriate, refer callers on to refuges and other sources of help
and information. They will help women to discuss options for action and to empower
them to make informed choices.
NSPCC 0808 800 5000
Child Protection Help Line 0800 056 0566
( Text Phone )
help@nspcc.org.uk ( e mail )
This free, confidential service for anyone concerned about children at risk of harm offers
counselling, information and advice. The service also connects vulnerable young people,
particularly runaways, to services that can help.
19Reunite International Child Abduction Centre
P O Box 7124 0116 2555345
Leicester (Administration Line )
LE1 7XX
0116 2556234
(Advice Line )
0116 2556370
(Fax )
Reunite is the leading charity specialising in international parental child abduction. It
operates a 24-hour advice line providing advice, support and information to parents,
family members and guardians who have had a child abducted or who fear abduction.
Reunite also supports and informs parents who have abducted their children and assists
with international contact issues. Reunite’s advice is impartial and confidential to one or
both parties involved in an international child abduction case. Reunite also provides
information and support on the issue of forced marriage.
Shelter Line 0808 800 4444
This service provides emergency access to refuge services.
Southall Black Sisters 020 8571 9595
This is a resource centre offering information, advice, advocacy, practical help,
counselling, and support to black and minority ethnic women experiencing domestic
violence. Southall Black Sisters specialise in forced marriage particularly in relation to
South Asian women. The office is open weekdays ( except Wednesday ) 10.00 am –
12.30 and 13.30 – 16.00.
The Asian Family Counselling Service 020 8571 3933
This is a national service offering counselling on marital and family issues for Asian men
and women. The national help line is open from 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Monday to Friday. Telephone counselling is also available.
20The Children’s Legal Centre 01206 873820
( Help Line )
University of Essex 01206 874026
Wivenhoe Park ( Fax )
Colchester clc@essex.ac.uk ( e mail )
CO4 3SQ
The Centre operates a free and confidential legal advice and information service covering
all aspects of law and policy affecting children and people. The advice line can be
contacted be letter, telephone or e mail.
The Children’s Rights Commissioner for Wales 01792 765600
An independent, statutory office to monitor, promote and protect the human rights of
children in Wales.
Community Liaison Unit
The Community Liaison Unit is part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in
London. The staff can offer advice and assistance to people who:
¾ Fear that they are going to be forced into a marriage abroad.
¾ Fear for a friend or relative who has been taken abroad and may be forced into
a marriage.
¾ Have been forced into a marriage and do not want to support their spouse’s
visa application.
The unit can assist agencies by:
¾ Co-ordinating with Embassies and British High Commissions.
¾ Accessing overseas non-governmental organisations.
¾ Accessing Police overseas.
¾ Providing consular protection through overseas Embassies and High
Commissions.
¾ Providing information about existing networks within the UK, including
Social Services, Police and non-governmental organisations.
21How to contact the Community Liaison Unit (Monday – Friday 09.00 – 17.00 )
The Community Liaison Unit
Room D/55
Old Admiralty Building
Whitehall
London
SW1A 2PA
Telephone : 020 7008 8706 / 0230 / 0135
E mail : clu@fco.gov.uk
For emergencies out of hours telephone
020 7008 1500 and ask to speak to the FCO Response Centre.
British High Commissions / Embassies
Please contact the Community Liaison Unit if you require further details of any other
British High Commission or Embassy.
BANGLDAESH
Dhaka
British High Commission
United Nations Road
Baridhara
Dhaka
Postal Address :
PO Box 6079, Dhaka – 1212
Telephone : (00) (880) (2) 8822705
Office Hours ( GMT ) :
Sun – Wed 02.00 – 10.00
Thurs 02.00 – 08.00
22Local Time
Sun – Wed 08.00 – 15.00
Thurs 08.00 – 13.00
INDIA
New Delhi
British High Commission
Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110021
Telephone : (00) (91) (112) 687 2161
Office Hours ( GMT ) :
Mon – Fri 03.30 – 07.30 and 08.30 – 11.30
Local Time
Mon – Fri 09.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 17.00
INDIA
Mumbai ( Bombay )
Office of the British Deputy High Commissioner
Maker Chambers IV
222 Jamnalal Baja Road
PO Box 11714 Nariman Point
Mumbai 400 021
Telephone : (00) (91) (222) 283 0517 / 2330
Office Hours ( GMT ) :
Mon – Fri 02.30 – 07.30 and 08.30 – 10.30
23Local Time
Mon – Fri 08.00 – 13.00 and 14.00 – 16.00
PAKISTAN
Islamabad
British High Commission
Diplomatic Enclave
Ramna 5
PO Box 1122
Islamabad
Telephone : (00) (92) (51) 2822131 / 5
Office Hours ( GMT ) :
Mon – Thurs 03.00 – 11.00
Fri 03.00 – 07.00
Local Time
Mon – Thurs 08.00 – 16.00
Fri 08.00 – 12.00
PAKISTAN
Karachi
British Deputy High Commission
Shahrah – E - Iran
Clifton
Karachi 75600
Telephone : (00) (92) (21) 5872431 / 6
Office Hours ( GMT ) :
Mon – Thurs 03.30 – 11.00
Fri 03.30 – 07.30
24Local Time
Mon – Thurs 08.30 – 16.00
Fri 08.30 – 12.30
25Appendix 2
Pathway of referral for Adult Cases
Referral for adult
over 18
Is the individual a
Vulnerable adult?
No Yes
Refer to Manchester
Refer to organisations that specialise in Contact Centre to the
helping victims of forced marriage and Vulnerable Adult Team
domestic violence. If the case has a
foreign angle contact the FCO.
Is the vulnerable
adult in the UK
Yes No
Are there threats
to take someone
out of the Contact the Foreign &
country? Commonwealth Office
Refer to the police if a crime has
been, or may be committed. Refer to national and
local organisations
Refer the person to national and that specialise in
local organisations that specialise in helping victims of
helping victims of forced marriage Yes No forced marriage and
and domestic violence. domestic violence.
26Appendix 3: Pathway of referral for Children and Young People Facing Forced
Marriage
Community Relative Self Education Health Housing
Police (Trained or Specialist Officer) Child Care Services
Contact Contact
Police Forced Marriage Co-ordinator Police
Family Family
Support Support
Unit Unit
1st Strategy Consultation
(Phone or Meeting)
Immediate Protection Planned Protection
Requested Requested
Refer to Initial Assessment
Team
Initial Assessment Initial Assessment
Same Day Up to 7 days
Forced Marriage Forced Marriage
Criteria Met No Further Action. Criteria Met
Consider
No Referral to other Agency No
Yes
Yes
27District Team Quality
Strategy Assurance &
Meeting/ Performance
Discussion Management
Unit
Section 47 Section 17
.
Follow ACPC Procedures Agency Family Support
Policy
28Appendix 4: Possible Offences committed might include:
Common Assault S39 Criminal Justice Act 1988
Cruelty to persons under 16
(Including neglect and abandonment ) S.1 (1) Children and Young
Persons Act 1933
Failure to secure regular attendance
at school of a registered pupil S.444 (1) Education Act 1996
Theft ( e.g. Passport ) S.1 (1) Theft Act 1968
Child Abduction S.1 (1) Child Abduction Act 1984
Abduction if unmarried girl under the age
of 16 from parent or guardian S.20 (1) Sexual Offences Act 1956
Abduction of a woman by force
or for the sake of her property S.12 (1) Sexual Offences Act 1956
S.1 (1) Sexual Offences
(Amendment) Act 1976
S.30 and 31 Sexual Offences Act
2003
Rape S.1 (1) Sexual Offences
(Amendment) Act 1976
Aiding and abetting a criminal offence Common Law Offence
Kidnapping Common Law Offence
False Imprisonment Common Law Offence
Murder Common Law Offence
Note : This list is not intended to be exhaustive.
29Appendix 5: Case Studies
Ayesha
During the college Christmas holidays on a trip to Bangladesh in 1998, Ayesha was
forced into a marriage. Ayesha returned to the UK with her mother and resumed her
college course. Ayesha was unable to tell anyone about what had happened. Her mother
soon started to pressure her to call her husband over stating that her sister’s chances of
marrying would be severely affected if Ayesha did not go through with this and that it
would be shameful to all her family.
Completely isolated, afraid and traumatised by the situation and having to cope with the
immense pressure, Ayesha started to self-harm by cutting her arms, stopping eating and
becoming increasingly withdrawn. Her college teachers noticed that her grades were
declining and asked her if everything was all right. Ayesha disclosed her situation and she
was offered support through the college counsellor.
Ayesha was supported to leave the violent situation and start life completely isolated
from her family members whom she was totally ostracised from. 6 years later she still
receives regular counselling, experiences depression which she receives medication for
and struggles with issues around her mental health. Ayesha was unable to continue with
her A levels but hopes to complete them later in life.
Alina
Alina was forced into a marriage by her family at 19, and experienced domestic violence
form her wedding day. She had two children aged 7 and 3. Alina was prescribed anti-
depressants to combat her depression for 5 years, but health professionals failed to
identify the cause of her problems.
At a routine appointment with a health professional Alina was routinely asked about
domestic violence able to disclose her experiences, and was immediately given support
and referred to a local service that was able to provide a range of services including
emotional support and advocacy. With their support Alina was able to leave her husband
and to tell the family that she would not return to her husband. Alina and her children are
now safe and happy, and Alina’s health has improved so much that she has been able to
come off her medication.
3031
32
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