when someone is made to marry without their consent – including anyone under 18, anyone pressured or threatened, or anyone who cannot make that decision

forcing someone to do something against their will through threats, pressure or intimidation

Forced marriage

RSHE (PSHE)

Hymenoplasty and virginity testing

This unit includes lessons relating to violence against women and girls. It has been updated to reflect the 2026 RSHE guidance. It includes lesson on FGM, virginity testing and forced marriage.

Staying safe and healthy: Forced marriage, FGM, hymenoplasty & virginity testing

Grooming, exploitation, coercion, harassment, rape.

Depiction or discussion of sexual violence

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of distress or humiliation e.g. bullying.

Depiction or discussion of peer pressure or bullying

References to forced marriage, violence against women and girls.

Feeling unsafe or being asked to keep secrets.

Honour based violence, terrorism, extremism and radicalisation.

where one or both people do not, or cannot, consent to the marriage

a UK team that helps stop and prevent forced marriage

using pressure, threats or force to make someone comply

What is the minimum legal age for marriage in the UK?

What is the maximum prison sentence for arranging a forced marriage in the UK?

Concerns about forced marriage can be raised with a trusted {{}}, a teacher, a DSL or the police.

Amira’s parents have arranged for her to marry a family friend’s son. She tells them she does not want to marry him, but they say she has no choice. What type of marriage might this be?

Liam’s uncle tells him he must marry someone he has never met. Liam says no, but his uncle threatens to harm his family members if he refuses. What is being used to make Liam marry?

What term refers to a medically invalid and harmful procedure that attempts to determine whether a girl or woman has had sexual intercourse?

they should just go along with it to avoid conflict

they have the right to say no and get help

they should handle it completely on their own

If someone is being pressured to do something they don't want to do, what should they remember?

listen without judgement and encourage them to seek help

report it to a trusted adult even if it feels difficult

explain you can't keep secrets that put people at risk

Match each situation with the best response.

A hymenoplasty is a surgical procedure to 'repair' or 'restore' the {{}}.

agreeing to something freely without pressure or threats

making decisions quickly without thinking

Who can you talk to at school if you're worried about virginity testing and hymenoplasty?

Starter Quiz

What term refers to a medically invalid and harmful procedure that attempts to determine whether a girl or woman has had sexual intercourse?