Doctors will now be able to call to get advice where they think a patient is to be forced into marriage.

New guidance published yesterday aimed at frontline practitioners such as GPs, school nurses, midwives, and A&E staff, provides practical advice on how to recognise the warning signs.

It sets out the dangers faced by victims and gives advice on how to respond to their needs sensitively and effectively and what to do if a patients says they have been or are about to be forced into marriage.

During a consultation is one of the few times the victim may be alone without family members.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer, who has been campaigning to raise awareness of the problem and for communities to accept that the "evil practice" happens for years, welcomed the announcement.

She said: "We have been going through a political correct era which meant people were not always keen to say anything or get involved. But we have to do what is right by these girls. It is excellent guidance has been issued."

She added she had "boundless" information in her office and was willing to help in any way possible if anyone was worried.

Nurse Barbara Cox, a management committee member of a local domestic abuse services agency, said: "It is a very easy to read document and it makes a clear distinction between arranged' and forced' marriages. It will be an invaluable aid to all workers."

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