Updated: Launch of the 2014/15 FMU Domestic Programme Fund - applications by 20 June 2014
Overview
A forced marriage is where one or both people do not (or in cases of people with learning disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used. It is an appalling and indefensible practice and is recognised in the UK as a form of violence against women and men, domestic/child abuse and a serious abuse of human rights.
The pressure put on people to marry against their will can be physical (including threats, actual physical violence and sexual violence) or emotional and psychological (for example, when someone is made to feel like they’re bringing shame on their family). Financial abuse (taking your wages or not giving you any money) can also be a factor.
Information for people directly affected by forced marriage is also available.
Forced Marriage Unit
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is a joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Home Office unit was which set up in January 2005 to lead on the Government’s forced marriage policy, outreach and casework. It operates both inside the UK, where support is provided to any individual, and overseas, where consular assistance is provided to British nationals, including dual nationals.
The FMU operates a public helpline to provide advice and support to victims of forced marriage as well as to professionals dealing with cases. The assistance provided ranges from simple safety advice, through to aiding a victim to prevent their unwanted spouse moving to the UK (‘reluctant sponsor’ cases), and, in extreme circumstances, to rescues of victims held against their will overseas.
The FMU undertake an extensive outreach and training programme of around 100 events a year, targeting both professionals and potential victims. The FMU also carry out media campaigns, such as 2012’s ‘right to choose’ summer campaign, where the FMU commissioned three short films to raise awareness amongst young people at risk of being taken overseas for forced marriage.
Contact
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7008 0151
Email: fmu@fco.gov.uk
Email for outreach work: fmuoutreach@fco.gov.uk
Facebook: Forced Marriage page
Twitter: @FMUnit
Media enquiries: +44 (0) 20 7008 3100
UK Legislation on Forced Marriage
The Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill received Royal Assent on 13 March 2014, and became an act of Parliament. It is this Act that criminalises forced someone to marry. Breaching a Forced Marriage Protection Order is also being criminalised. The new offences take effect from 16 June 2014.
The civil remedy of obtaining a Forced Marriage Protection Order through the family courts will continue to exist alongside the new criminal offence, so victims can choose how they wish to be assisted
There will be a maximum penalty of seven years for committing a forced marriage offence and a maximum penalty of five years for breach of a forced marriage protection order
Details of the new law can be found on the Legalisation website
Statistics on Forced Marriage collected by FMU
Statistics on forced marriage for 2013
(PDF, 156KB, 1 page)
Statistics on forced marriage for 2012
(PDF, 154KB, 1 page)
Guidance for professionals
The Right to Choose:Multi-Agency Statutory Guidance for dealing with forced marriage
Statutory guidance issued under section 63Q of the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. Guidance is for all persons and bodies who exercise public function in relation to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
Multi-Agency practice guidelines: Handling cases of forced marriage
Step-by-step advice for frontline workers. Essential reading for health professionals, educational staff, police, children’s social care, adult social services and local authority housing
Forced Marriage and Learning Disabilities: Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines
Developed to help professionals dealing with forced marriage of people with learning disabilities.
The guidance was developed (in English and Welsh) with learning disability charities the Ann Craft Trust and the Judith Trust.
2010 Review of implementation of statutory guidance across public agencies in England and Wales
eLearning training for professionals
The e-learning training package to support professionals, including education, social and health care professionals, police officers, housing officers, the voluntary sector and others dealing with forced marriage in the course of their work.
Using real life case studies, the training gives professionals a basic understanding of the main issues surrounding forced marriage, how cases can present and how to respond appropriately.
This tool complements the multi-agency practice guidelines for professionals and should be read alongside the training.
Guidance for Members of Parliament and constituency offices
We are keen that MPs and their staff are aware of how best they can work to support constituents who may be facing forced marriage. Guidance above provides background information on forced marriage and describes best practice for supporting victims and dealing with their families.
Outreach programme
The FMU runs an outreach programme across the UK to raise awareness of forced marriage. FMU has delivered outreach events to a number of statutory agencies and other organisations across a range of sectors, including:
Local Authority Safeguarding Teams across England and Wales
Police Forces across England and Wales
The UK Judiciary
Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) across England and Wales
Women’s Aid
Victim Support
A variety of Charities and NGOs
A number of secondary schools and colleges across England and Wales
A number of Airport officials across the UK, including UKBA and Airline Carrier staff
If you would like us to attend your event, please fill out a speaker request form and email it back to us.
We would also be grateful for your feedback on our outreach programme if we come to speak at your event. Please complete our short survey.
Domestic Programme Fund
The Domestic Programme Fund (DPF) provides funding to charities for small-sized projects in the UK that will deliver against some of the objectives listed below. With the introduction of new legislation this year, the FMU fully recognises that protecting victims and ending forced marriage can only be achieved if all of the partners across government, non-governmental organisations and key agencies work collectively.
The DPF has continued to promote this model of joined-up working by encouraging and enabling voluntary organisations to contribute even more to the diverse range of activity to protect victims and raise awareness about this abusive practice of forced marriage. The Government’s continued commitment to tackling this unacceptable practice is demonstrated by once again ensuring that £150,000 is made available.
Launch of the 2014/15 FMU Domestic Programme Fund
The DPF is now open and applications are welcome for the 2014/15 bidding round. The DPF Application form should be completed and returned to: dpf@fco.gov.uk by 20 June 2014. All applicants will be informed about the outcome of their bids by the end of June 2014.
Who is eligible?
Project implementers must be registered charities – please note that small charities are also welcome to apply. Partnership with other NGOs or statutory bodies is also strongly encouraged; however the lead organisation must be a registered or small charity.
Applications led by local government organisations will not be considered under any circumstances. However, we will consider part-funding larger projects – don’t be afraid to alert us of funding you may be receiving from other sources.
If you have previously received funding from the DPF, you will be ineligible to bid for further funding if you have failed to submit your final evaluation report to the FMU.
What projects are the FMU likely to fund?
We anticipate funding around eight projects, however bids will always be judged on merit. High-quality larger or smaller projects may also be accepted – all of which will ultimately determine the final number of projects that are funded. Although there are no restrictions on the value of the bids, it is important that you can clearly identify the ability to achieve a tangible impact, which is based upon providing value for money.
Bids will be assessed by a panel comprising members of the FMU working alongside external panel members – the decision of the panel is final.
Your proposal not only needs to have clear and realistic goals, but also demonstrate how it will deliver real and measurable results in relation to the following objectives:
Development of programmes to support the teaching of consent in marriage across schools and colleges of higher learning
Provision of further support to rehabilitate survivors of forced marriage
Development of local initiatives and services to raise awareness of the new legislation
Development of a champions network of community representatives as part of challenging attitudes to forced marriage in target communities
Creation of local partnership boards in targeted areas as part of developing localised approaches to tackling forced marriage and supporting victims
Development of peer group mentor’s scheme to provide training and support
Co-ordination and development of online presence on the provision of forced marriage services through a variety of social media
Development of work with faith groups and religious leaders to strengthen the message that forced marriage is not condoned by any major religion, and also tackle the improper use of religion as an excuse for abuse
This is not an exhaustive list, so do feel free to apply for funding that may cover other related areas of work.
Funding will be strictly limited to the timeframe of the activity and is not, under any circumstances designed to provide core-funding to organisations. Please note that the FMU are also extremely unlikely to fund any projects that are similar in aim and geographic scope to those that have previously been funded.
What projects did the FMU fund last year?
View a list of successful projects in the 2013/14 bidding round.
‘So what makes a good bid?
Successful applications are those that clearly highlight how they can deliver against the above named objectives. Evidence of working in partnership with another NGO or statutory body will be to your advantage and is highly encouraged, so please include details where this is applicable.
If you have any other queries regarding completion of the bidding form, then please contact the FMU by email or on 020 7008 0151.
Our publications and other resources
The FMU has a number of free publications. These range from leaflets and posters to statutory and practice guidelines. If you would like to order hard copies of these publications, please email your request stating:
which publications you would like (please see list below)
how many of each
your full postal address and a contact number
While there are no set limits on how many copies you can order, we ask that you think realistically about how many you need. If we are unable to send you part of your order, we will contact you to let you know. We aim to dispatch all requests within 10 working days. Alternatively, you can download copies:
Leaflets
What is a forced marriage?
What is a forced marriage in the LGBT community?
Forced Marriage Protection Orders (hard copies unavailable)
Forced Marriage Protection Orders: how can they protect me? (hard copies unavailable)
Cards
Marriage: it’s your choice:
(PDF, 231KB, 2 pages)
these are business-card sized and contain contact details for the FMU. They can be given to any potential victim. They are small enough to be placed in wallets/purses
Forced Marriage posters
Poster (English, A3) (hard copies currently out of stock)
Poster (English and Arabic, A3)
Poster (English and Bengali - size A2)
Poster (English and French, A3)
Poster (English and Gujarati, A3)
Poster (English and Hindi, A3)
Poster (English and Kurdish, A3)
Poster (English and Punjabi, A3)
Poster (English and Somali, A3)
Poster (English and Swahili, A3)
Poster (English and Urdu - size A2)
Handbook
Forced Marriage: A Survivors Handbook
Guidance
The right to choose: multi-agency statutory guidance
Handling cases of forced marriage: multi-agency practice guidelines (English)
Handling cases of forced marriage: multi-agency practice guidelines (Welsh) (not available to order in hard copy)
Forced Marriage and Learning Disabilities: multi-agency practice guidelines (English)
(PDF, 586KB, 32 pages)
Forced Marriage and Learning Disabilities: multi-agency practice guidelines (Welsh) (not available to order in hard copy)
(PDF, 350KB, 25 pages)
Additional resources
Animated documentaries
The British High Commission in Islamabad has commissioned short animated documentaries on the issue of forced marriages in Pakistan in an attempt to raise awareness of this human rights violation, the consequences of which include domestic abuse, divorce, honour killings, child abduction, abandonment, isolation, and family break-ups.
Sara’s story
Sara’s story
Farzana’s story
Farzana’s story
Shazia’s story
Shazia’s story
But It’s Not Fair by Aneeta Prem, is a fictional account of different perspectives on forced marriages that’s useful reading for school children and teachers.
List of successful projects in the 2013/14 bidding round
Ashiana Sheffield – Bridge the Gap
This project brings together members of the community, organisations, young people, and Peer Mentors in order to challenge negative opinions on FM and change ideas within communities. A play will be developed in partnership with Sheffield Health, Social Care Community Development Team (CDW) and students from a chosen school. The play will depict what may happen to a young person who is forced into marriage and the range of feelings a person may experience.
The play will be produced and used as an interactive tool on school websites and other online services such as NSPCC, Sheffield Futures and Get Connected.
AVA in association with Animage Films – The Dancer
AVA and Animage Films are collaborating on the creation of a short animated film addressing forced marriage. The film aims to raise awareness among potential victims, perpetrators and the general public. It will provide a useful educational tool that can be utilised by specialist organisations in their work with young people, schools, as well as statutory and voluntary sector organisations.
We anticipate that these films will stimulate community and public discussion in the UK and beyond, especially engaging people who may be unclear about the key differences between a forced and an arranged marriage. It is has imperative that further filming of scenes now needs to be incorporated into what will become the final version, so that it fully reflects the impending changes from the introduction of new legislation brings.
Karma Nirvana – Practitioner Roadshows
This project aims to further build and consolidate on the success of previous annual roadshows, by developing bespoke events on the practicalities of the criminalisation of forced marriage. With the Government‟s firm commitment to criminalise forced marriage, it is imperative that the law is widely promoted to enable victims and potential victims to be equipped in effectively using the new legislation.
The project also looks to increase professional confidence and awareness of the legislation, by ensuring that all practitioners who may potentially work on forced marriage cases are appropriately trained to support victims. Raising awareness of the new law amongst professionals is just as crucial as other groups, so this work fully complements the wider role of the FMU in delivering outreach. Karma Nirvana has an extensive existing database of professionals who are keen to continue working with them, following their success in delivering events to over 200 agencies over the last few years.
Respond – Am I Being Forced to Marry?
The project will help with the provision of information on forced marriage to those people with learning disabilities, by ensuring equal access to information. There will also be an increased level of information and advice for professionals and community members, including awareness of the new legislation and particular implications it will have on family members of people with learning disabilities.
An updated version of the easy-to-read booklet ‘Am I Being forced to Marry?‟ will be published the project website will also be updated to include advice and signposting for professionals supporting people with LD at risk of forced marriage. Five films will also be created for the website, containing interviews with a range of experts in the field of learning disability and forced marriage.
Rights of Women – Empowering Survivors, developing providers: a workshop project
This project will work directly with women survivors or those who at risk of forced marriage, as well as individuals who interact with support services and organisations set up to assist them. The project will provide a better understanding of the law, legal rights and remedies and how to effectively use them.
It will also provide a further opportunity to raise awareness of the recent and forthcoming changes to the availability of legal aid for family law and immigration law cases, by providing local service providers with the knowledge and skills to support survivors to rebuild their lives. Crucially, through dialogue with survivors, the Document1
project will enable us to feed into both local and national debates about the development of policy and service provision on forced marriage.
Southall Black Sisters – Consolidating support for repatriated victims of forced marriage
The project will help to consolidate the work that has been carried out over the last year to help with the re-settlement of repatriated victims of forced marriage. The work will include providing information, advice and advocacy to the victim, once they have been collected from the airport and placed in safe temporary accommodation. The support work involves assistance in making applications for permanent housing, reporting crimes, forced marriage protection orders, divorce or annulment, counselling, benefits, friendship networks, educational and work opportunities.
Crucially, SBS will also provide advice and assistance to other organisations across the country on how to help and support repatriated victims in their local area. The project also builds upon the work in developing training, support and protocols at Heathrow Airport with the FMU, so that this can be replicated at other airports and ports of entry across the UK.
Stockport Without Abuse – Free2Choose
This project aims to educate individuals about having a voice in their own futures pertaining to marriage and relationships. This approach will inspire them to use their knowledge, not only in their personal lives, but to become ambassadors and discuss and debate the subject with their families and peers.
The project will create a safe, creative and innovative environment where young people can acquire knowledge about consent in marriage, and the difference between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage. It will also address both the historical and cultural ideologies of forced marriage and discuss the tensions that this may bring when considering the human rights of all individuals.
Tees Valley Inclusion – “Time 4 Change” campaign
The overarching aim of this project is to not only raise awareness, but also campaign against forced marriage across five large Unitary Authority areas across the Tees Valley region. This will be delivered through educating and informing community based partners/networks about these issues, whilst building route ways for support through a formal partnership network that will be created and shared by the project. The “Time 4 Change” campaign and programme will engage role models and visible dignitaries (Mayor, MPs, Football players etc) who have demonstrated their commitment to speak out against forced marriage. The campaign will also look to engage community and faith networks in tandem, ahead of new legislation and develop sustainable community networks for victims which links into the on-going support available from the HALO project.
The Sharan project – Harnessing Change
This project will develop and implement a highly effective network of Ambassadors, aimed at helping to challenge existing attitudes to forced marriage in pre identified target communities - a variety of online resources on relevant key topics will also be developed. A comprehensive Ambassadorship Programme will initially be created at a local level, with the view of creating a much wider programme of work across the UK.
A select number of established public figures and distinguished leaders from across media, business, and the public and third sectors will be recruited, which will support a number of debates on forced marriages and further strengthen key messages against this harmful practice.
It is envisaged this work will ultimately extend to an international level and go a long way towards drawing attention to the instrumental work of the UK government in tackling forced marriage.
West of Scotland Regional Equality Council – Campaign to engage Imams and Mosques in the fight against Forced Marriage
This project will work with Imams across Scotland to discuss the issue of forced marriage. The main aim of the work will be to encourage further debate on this issue, highlighting the fact that the Muslim community of Scotland also have a responsibility to the community in preventing this from happening in the future.
The project will create a shared statement with the Imams on how best to address forced marriage –it will also be launched in English, Urdu, Arabic and Bengali and delivered during Jummah (Friday) sermons across Scotland. Ultimately, it is hoped that this will demonstrate to the community that Imams do take forced marriage seriously and that they are approachable on this issue.