This half-day course, designed by HERSANA, provides professionals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to work effectively and sensitively with survivors of Forced Marriage (FM).
While FM is recognised as a human rights abuse and a form of gender-based violence, survivors often face ongoing threats, community pressure, family estrangement and deep emotional trauma long after the marriage has been prevented or ended.
This training goes beyond recognising the signs of FM — it equips participants to respond with cultural awareness, legal precision and trauma-informed care. It covers the UK’s legal framework, sector-specific safeguarding responsibilities and practical strategies for ensuring survivor safety, autonomy and access to justice.
Grounded in survivor experiences and real-world scenarios, this session ensures that professionals can uphold their statutory duties while centering the dignity, agency and long-term recovery of those affected.
What you need to know
What will I learn?
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Understand the UK laws, safeguarding duties, and statutory guidance related to FM, including FM Protection Orders and criminal offences.
- Recognise the ongoing risks, trauma and barriers faced by survivors after escaping or resisting FM.
- Apply culturally competent, survivor-led approaches that avoid stigmatising or stereotyping communities.
- Identify safe, ethical and effective intervention strategies tailored to different professional roles and sectors.
- Navigate complex family, cultural and community dynamics when offering support.
- Develop effective multi-agency working practices to protect survivors and coordinate long-term recovery support.
- Strengthen professional confidence in handling disclosures, documenting concerns and advocating for survivor needs across systems.
Who should attend?
This course is designed for professionals, frontline workers, volunteers, and service providers who may come into contact with women, girls, and young people affected by or at risk of experiencing female genital mutilation/cutting, including those working in:
How do I book a training session for my team?
Our 'Off-The-Shelf' Sessions are closed sessions, delivered to your team only. If you'd like to book this training for your team, contact us at training@hersana.org.