About this course
Forced marriage and so-called ‘honour’-based abuse can be difficult to recognise — and the wrong response can increase risk.
This practical awareness course helps staff understand the difference between arranged and forced marriage, recognise possible indicators without stereotyping communities, respond safely to disclosures, understand why inappropriate family involvement can be dangerous, and follow appropriate safeguarding routes.
Built for education, training and workplace settings, the course uses realistic scenarios to help you apply the RECOGNISE → RESPOND → PROTECT → REPORT model effectively in your professional role.
What learners cover
- Explain the difference between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage
- Explain why free and full consent is fundamental to marriage
- Explain the specific legal position relating to marriage involving somebody under 18 in England and Wales
- Describe what is meant by so-called ‘honour’-based abuse
- Recognise that HBA can include coercive control, threats, physical abuse, sexual abuse and other forms of abuse
- Recognise possible indicators that somebody may be at risk without stereotyping
- Respond appropriately when somebody discloses a concern
- Explain why inappropriate family involvement or mediation can significantly increase risk
- Follow appropriate organisational safeguarding and reporting routes
- Identify the Forced Marriage Unit as a specialist source of advice and support
More than a certificate
Have a look at what learners actually get before you enrol - no account needed.
Certificate of completion
Issued as soon as the final assessment is passed, with a verification link anyone can check. The sample below is an example only and will not verify.
- 1 hr 15 mins
- 1.25 CPD hours
- 80% pass mark
- 20 assessment questions
- Certificate on completion
Assign it to your learners
Buying for a group? Choose how many licences you need, add your learners' names and email addresses, and track who has been set up from your account.
Assign to your teamCourse content
The course is delivered in short, bite-size sections that learners can stop and restart at any point.
- Section 1
1. The Right to Choose
The fundamental difference between arranged and forced marriage, the requirement for free consent, and the law for under-18s.
- Section 2
2. Understanding ‘Honour’-Based Abuse
Defining HBA, the dynamic of multiple perpetrators, and why there is no honour in abuse.
- Section 3
3. Recognising Possible Risk
Possible indicators of risk vs proof, avoiding stereotypes, and the clusters of risk information.
- Section 4
4. When Somebody Tells You
The response model: listen, take seriously, don't investigate, protect and report. The 'one chance' concept.
- Section 5
5. The Family Involvement Trap
Why normal instincts can be dangerous, the risks of family contact, and safe communication.
- Section 6
6. Law, Protection and Specialist Support
FMPOs, the Forced Marriage Unit, and handling emergencies via 999.
- Section 7
7. FE & Skills Scenarios
Applying learning to realistic scenarios involving apprentices, adult learners, and third-party concerns.
- Section 8
8. Bringing it Together
Ten things to remember, a final substantial case study, and the assessment bank.
Who it is for
Teachers, tutors, trainers, assessors, learner support, safeguarding staff, careers staff, apprenticeship staff, Skills Bootcamp staff, workplace mentors, managers, HR and administrative staff in FE and Skills settings.
Entry requirements: None. The course is written in plain English and uses non-graphic scenarios. You can pause and return at any point.
How it is delivered
Fully online and self-paced
Learners work through the course at their own pace and can pause and resume where they left off.
Any device
Works on desktop, laptop, tablet and mobile, with audio, video and written transcripts throughout.
Interactive throughout
Scenarios, exercises and images keep learners engaged rather than clicking through slides.
Knowledge checks
Short checks at the end of each section so learners can see what has landed before moving on.
Average completion time is around 1.3 hours, though learners can take as long as they need and return as often as they like.
How it is assessed
Practical activities and quick checks help you apply each module. The course finishes with 20 questions drawn at random from a bank of 40, with an 80% pass mark.
Certification
A WorkplaceHero certificate of completion is issued as soon as you pass the assessment. 1.25 CPD hours are added automatically to your WorkplaceHero CPD record.
Refresher guidance: We suggest a refresher date 12 months after completion. This is a suggested CPD review prompt, not an expiry date.
How it works for teams
- 1. Choose how many licences you need and pay by card, or request an invoice.
- 2. Add your learners' names and email addresses.
- 3. They sign in to their WorkplaceHero account and start the course straight away.
- 4. Track who has been set up from your account.
Common questions
How do learners access this course?
This course is delivered here on WorkplaceHero. Each learner signs in to their own WorkplaceHero account with the email you gave us and starts the course from their online courses - there is no separate platform login. Progress updates live on your team dashboard, and the certificate and CPD log entry appear automatically on completion.
Is an arranged marriage the same as a forced marriage?
No. In an arranged marriage, families may introduce partners, but both individuals remain free to choose. In a forced marriage, one or both people do not consent and pressure or coercion is used.
What is the law for marriage under 18?
In England and Wales, since February 2023, it is an offence to cause a child to marry before 18, even without violence or threats. This includes non-legally-binding ceremonies.
Should I contact the family if I'm worried?
No. In suspected forced marriage/HBA cases, independently contacting the family or arranging mediation can significantly increase risk. Always follow your organisation's safeguarding procedures.
What should I do in an emergency?
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise, follow your safeguarding policy and seek advice from your Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Forced Marriage Unit.
Who provides specialist advice?
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) provides advice and support to victims and professionals. They can be contacted via GOV.UK.
Course details
- Course version
- 1.1
- Content last reviewed
- September 2026
- Next review due
- September 2027
- Study time
- 1.3 hours
- CPD hours
- 1.25 hours
- Pass mark
- 80%
- Assessment
- 20 questions, unlimited retakes
Accuracy and scope
Content last reviewed September 2026. Primarily focused on England and Wales. Guidance can change; always follow your organisation's safeguarding policy and current authoritative statutory guidance.