WALES: Forced Marriages Alert for Schools

Schools in Wales will be asked to look out for unexplained absences of girls they think are at risk of forced marriage, it was revealed today. Teachers and welfare officers should raise the alarm if pupils suddenly disappear from the classroom without warning, Social Justice Minister Brian Gibbons said.

The move is part of a three-year Assembly Government plan that also deals with so-called honour crimes.

The intention is to uncover the scale of the problem and teach social workers, police and healthcare staff how to spot victims early.

Dr Gibbons said he wanted people to be aware of the distinction between arranged marriages and forced marriages.

"This is a human rights issue. Forced marriage is a type of domestic violence and it's not acceptable," he said.

Source: Swansea Evening Post - 1 April 2008