Health professionals given guidelines for forced marriages

The government has produced a series of guidelines to assist health professionals when dealing with suspected cases of forced marriage.

Launched yesterday (June 4th), the guidelines are aimed at providing practical advice for people such as GPs, school nurses, midwives and A&E staff when dealing with a patient who has been - or who is about to be - forced into a marriage against their will.

Home Office minister Baroness Scotland said: "It is terrible for those women, children and men who find themselves in an often violent and abusive situation against their will.

"The government is determined to help the victims of forced marriages and health professionals form part of the crucial frontline work that plays such an important role in saving lives and reducing serious harm."

"Forced marriage affects children and adults as well as men and women from a wide range of communities. An interview with a health professional may be the first and only opportunity victims have to tell someone about what is happening to them," added public health minister Caroline Flint.

According to government figures there are approximately 300 cases of forced marriage reported to the government's Forced Marriage Unit every year.