It is very important to differentiate between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage. An arranged marriage is agreement between both parties, entered into freely and is a practice that has worked successfully in many cultures for many years. A forced marriage is where one or both of the parties has not agreed to marry and has been forced to do so against their own free will. |
Forced marriage is primarily, but not exclusively, an issue of violence against women. Most cases involve young women and girls aged between 13 and 30 years, although there is evidence to suggest that as many as 15 per cent of victims are male.
The issue of forced marriage should not be used to stigmatise any community. Some forced marriages take place in the UK with no oversees element, whilst others involve a partner coming from overseas or a British Citizen being sent abroad.
Privacy & Confidentiality
In conjunction with other organisations, the police will work to find you secure accommodation, out of the district you currently live in, and will also have contacts who will be able to help you in the long term. You will be able to obtain assistance with long-term accommodation, advice on income possibilities and issues regarding personal safety.
We are aware of the confidentiality issues related to this problem and will not divulge any information about your visit, conversations or in fact any of your dealings with the police or any other organisations, to anyone, without your express permission.
How to Report a Forced Marriage
You do not have to be the victim to report a forced marriage. You may be a friend or relative, for example.
You will need to provide the police with as much detail as possible such as the name, date of birth and address of the victim, as much detail as possible about the family and any possible travel dates and destinations.
Emergency
In an emergency, always dial 999.
Non Emergencies
- Call our central number, 0345 123 33 33
- Visit your local police enquiry office
- If you are deaf, hard-of-hearing or speech impaired, read more about the contact services we can offer you
- You can also contact the Forced Marriage Unit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in London (Advice and support for those in fear of being taken abroad for the purposes of forced marriage - across Great Britain) on 0207 008 0230
Other Organisations
Below are details of other organisations who will be able to offer help and support. You will see from the explanations that some are national organisations, some operate across Derbyshire and others operate only within Derby itself.
Childline
The free and confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK.
Telephone: 0800 1111
Web site: http://www.childline.org.uk/
Derby Refugee and Asylum Advice Centre
Operates within Derby, providing information and support for refugees and asylum seekers.
Telephone: 01332 347 947
Open on Tuesday and Thursday 10am - 4pm
Derby Women's Centre
Operates within Derby, providing advocacy, information and support services for women.
Telephone or Fax: 01332 341 633
Web site: http://www.derbywomenscentre.org.uk/
Hadhari Nari
The Hadhari Nari Women's Project provides support and a confidential service through an advice centre, refuge accommodation, outreach work and training for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
Telephone: |
01332 270101 |
Karma Nirvana
Based in Derby providing information and support for male and female victims of forced marriage and 'honour'-based violence.
Telephone: 0800 5999 247
Web site: www.karmanirvana.org.uk
Missing People
Missing People is the UK's only charity that works with young runaways, missing and unidentified people, their families and others who care for them.
Telephone: 0500 700 700
Web site: www.missingpeople.org.uk
Reunite
UK charity specialising in international parental child abduction.
Telephone: 020 7375 3440
Web site: http://www.reunite.org/
Victim Support
This national organisation also has a branch in Derbsyhire. It provides confidential support and information to victims of crime and to witnesses attending local courts.
Its services are free, independent of the police and courts, and available to everyone, whether or not the crime has been reported and regardless of when it happened.
Telephone: Victim Supportline on 0845 30 30 900
E-mail: supportline@victimsupport.org.uk
If you have hearing difficulties, please call using the Victim Supportline TextDirect access number 18001 0845 30 30 900.
For further details, please visit the Victim Supportline web page.
Can Anyone Tell I've Visited These Web Pages?
If you are worried about someone knowing which web sites you have visited, you can take several steps to increase your safety when using the internet. The Victim Support site provides a practial guide to safe web site usage.
The only certain way to prevent anyone finding out which web pages you have been viewing is to use a computer they do not have access to; this could be at a local library, a friend's house, or an internet cafe.
