The first response
Stay calm, listen without interrogation, ask about immediate safety and explain what you may need to share and why.
What can increase risk
Family or community contact, mediation, public allegations, promises of absolute secrecy and amateur investigation can alert people involved or close a safe opportunity.
Friends and pupils
A friend can listen and help reach a trusted adult. A pupil is not responsible for proving what happened or managing safeguarding.
Immediate and specialist help
Call 999 in an emergency. The Forced Marriage Unit is available on 020 7008 0151, Monday to Friday 9am–5pm, or fmu@fcdo.gov.uk. Out of hours, call 020 7008 5000.