Social Service Social Change Addressing Forced Marriage Cases
{"Image DocumentName": "Addressing Forced Marriage Cases", "Image ImageDescription": "Social Service. Social Change. Service providers who are new to the issue of forced marriage may initially have trouble identifying cases. It is important to remember that forced marriage has many parallels with domestic violence and that victims may turn to a service provider only as a last resort. As in cases of domestic violence, this reluctance may be because of stigma and fear that talking about the issue, even to friends, will be found out by parents/caregivers. Cases of forced marriage may not present as such initially; the victim may come to see you because of self-harming behaviour, depression, anxiety, missing school or withdrawing from social activity. These warning signs are just some of the factors that should prompt service providers to consider whether a forced marriage is part of what brings a client to see them. Forced marriages occur either within Canada or abroad. In either scenario, service providers may assist with safety planning, education about rights and responsibilities, looking into the resources and assistance available to the individual and connecting them with the appropriate services. In addition to these practical steps, the service provider can also assist the individual by offering non-judgmental, empathetic support and counselling, if appropriate. The service provider should remain aware that the person seeking assistance may be at risk of experiencing violence or harm if their family learns that they have sought assistance from any community agency. Safety and exposure to risk must always be considered when creating an action plan or offering a client advice in cases of forced marriage and domestic violence. It is unlikely that one person or agency will be able to address all of the issues associated with forced marriage cases. However, as a first point of contact, a service provider equipped with knowledge of the issue may be an invaluable resource to an individual who may experience, or has already experienced, a forced marriage.", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}