GovWire

These are British Sign Language (BSL) versions of the government guidance on forced marriage which comprises:

• statutory guidance on forced marriage for all persons and bodies who exercise public functions in relation to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults
• multi-agency practice guidelines on handling cases of forced marriage, for front line workers, including:
  • health professionals
  • educational staff
  • police
  • childrens social care
  • adult social services
  • local authority housing staff
  • registrars
  • staff working at the UK border

We have updated Chapters II (Background) and 2 (Understanding the issues around forced marriage) of the non-BSL version of this guidance. There are minor updates to some other chapters, in light of the changes to forced marriage law in the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022, which came into effect on 27 February 2023.

We have also updated Chapters II and 2 of the BSL version of the guidance. If you would like a BSL version of any of the other chapters, please contact VAWGEnquiries@homeoffice.gov.uk.