The My Marriage My Choice research team took part in a twitter discussion during October on the subject of forced marriage. They fielded questions such as who should be consulted on issues around forced marriage and why, and how practitioners can be supported to recognise forced marriage and to report it. Hosted by Mandy Sanghera, #EmpowermentHour received discussion tweets about forced marriage from all over the world. It is hoped that this is the first of many such discussions as the My Marriage My Choice project progresses.
During October the project’s Advisory Group met to discuss progress – the research team are particularly pleased that they now have representation from most participant groups among the advisory group members, though they are still seeking a family carer of a person with learning disabilities to join them to share their perspectives on issues around forced marriage.
The research team also attended the quarterly Partnership Board hosted by the Forced Marriage Unit with the Home Office. These meetings bring together key partners from across the UK, who also work in the area of forced marriage and safeguarding. In particular, at the meeting, an invitation was issued by the Canadian High Commission, which is also where the meeting was held, to collaborate directly with colleagues in Canada who are also working to prevent forced marriage and safeguard vulnerable adults and children.
Finally, the Ann Craft Trust Bulletin for October 2016 contains an article about the My Marriage My Choice project. The Ann Craft Trust are an important collaborative partner in this current research project – they will be instrumental in engaging experts to discuss research findings and in helping to influence safeguarding policy and practice. Read more about their work with the My Marriage My Choice project and other safeguarding work in which they are involved on their website: www.anncrafttrust.org
Posted on Wednesday 2nd November 2016