Currently some two hundred cases of forced marriage are reported to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office each year
(Dealing with cases of forced marriage: Guidelines for Police), but it is likely that many more go unreported. The links provided here aim to:
- Heighten awareness of the existence of forced marriage, and of the issues surrounding it.
- Increase understanding of what constitutes forced marriage.
- Provide practical information on what to do if you or someone you know (be it colleague, patient or friend) is fearful of being made to marry against their will or has already been forced into marriage.
Local resources
Thames Valley Police
Your local police can offer help and support, especially if there is reasonable cause to believe that an individual is likely to suffer significant harm. Furthermore, if the individual is under 18, they can place themselves under police protection.
Full guidelines for health professionals are available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website: www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage.
Getting In Touch
The numbers of local police stations can be found at the front of the yellow pages.
- Child Protection and Sexual Crime Unit - 01865 335200
- Domestic Violence Coordinator, Oxford City - 01865 335165
- Domestic Violence Coordinator, Banbury/Witney - 01295 754625
- Domestic Violence Coordinator, South/Vale - 01491 821540
- Emergencies - 999
Social and Community Services
The children and family services team provides help and advice on family support, and access to a place of safety and child protection.
Within this team there are community workers for certain ethnic groups.
Getting In Touch
- Abingdon - 01235 554425
- Banbury - 01295 756517
- Oxford City - 01865 815489
- Asian community worker - 01865 815456
- Chinese community worker - 01865 815312
Oxfordshire County Council website (external link)
Citizens Advice Bureaux
The Citizens Advice Bureaux can provide advice.
Citizens Advice Bureaux website (external link)