Hansard

Forced Marriage

Volume 699: debated on Monday 18 February 2008

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Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will encourage teachers to report to the Forced Marriage Unit, the police or other appropriate authorities cases where there is a reasonable suspicion that pupils have been removed from school to force them into marriages abroad. [HL1750]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Children, Schools and Families
(Lord Adonis)

Our guidance on safeguarding children in education is clear that schools and further education institutions should contact the Forced Marriage Unit if there are concerns that a child (male or female) is in danger of a forced marriage, and that they should also contact the police and children's social care. More detailed guidance for education professionals on dealing with cases of forced marriage includes information about warning signs of marriage, including being withdrawn from school.