When marriage is forced

Teacher notes

This lesson is most suitable for upper KS3 and above and is a useful way to explore forced marriage in all its forms. It could also be used in upper KS2 as the PSHE curriculum includes this theme from KS2. **Note 1: The rich media article 'A global goal for girls' explains forced and child marriage; and includes SDG5 indicators as follows:** 5.2 eliminate violence against girls and women 5.6 ensure access to sexual and reproductive health. If you wanted to avoid expanding on these issues, we suggest teaching from front of class and scrolling down the page to definitions of forced and child marriage. **Note: 2 ** There are sensitive discussions of family dynamics around forced and coerced marriage in this lesson plan. Students should be referred to the safeguarding lead in your school as suits your school context if they, or somebody they know, is at risk of forced marriage. Other avenues of help are explored in this lesson. **Please be aware that forced marriage affects many communities, faiths, genders and sexualities.** **Lyfta Core themes:** Culture and Identity, Equality and Human Rights, Health and Wellbeing, Learning and Growth, Relationships. **Lyfta core skills and values**: Active Citizenship & Political Awareness, Assertiveness, Coaching & Mentoring, Conflict Resolution, Coping Methods, Empathy & developing multiple perspectives, Human Rights, Intercultural Competence, Resilience & Perseverance. **SDGs**: 3, 4, 5, 16. **National Curriculum Objectives**: KS2 PSHE R3. about marriage and civil partnership as a legal declaration of commitment made by two adults who love and care for each other, which is intended to be lifelong R4. that forcing anyone to marry against their will is a crime; that help and support is available to people who are worried about this for themselves or others R9. how to recognise if family relationships are making them feel unhappy or unsafe, and how to seek help or advice. KS3 PSHE R6. that marriage is a legal, social and emotional commitment that should be entered into freely, and never forced upon someone through threat or coercion. R7. strategies to access reliable, accurate and appropriate advice and support with relationships, and to assist others to access it when needed. KS4 PSHE R33. The law relating to ‘honour’-based violence and forced marriage; the consequences for individuals and wider society and ways to access support. KS5 PSHE R21. to recognise forced marriage and ‘honour’ based violence; to get help for themselves or others they believe to be at immediate or future risk.