Safer Schools Partnership

Roger Grimes, a Safer Schools police officer based in Tower Hamlets, has been working on the forced marriage agenda for several years. Embedded in a Further Education College in East London, he works with teachers and staff to build awareness of forced marriage. Teachers have received awareness training on forced marriage and Roger regularly deals with cases referred to him by staff that now have a greater awareness of the subject. Through his links with Tower Hamlets Police Community Safety Unit, the FMU and specialist organisations such as the Ashiana network, he ensures that all young people facing forced marriage get the support they need.  

He has also organised awareness days for students, bringing in survivors to talk about their experiences directly to the students. He is in the process of establishing a mentoring programme in the college that encourages peer-to-peer mentoring for those who may be concerned about any personal issues including potential forced marriage. Mentors will have the full support of Roger and the other staff so that they know when to ask for help from others.

He continues to work with other police officers in the Safer Schools partnership to raise awareness of forced marriage and showcase the good work he has done, as well as encouraging other organisations within the local area to engage on forced marriage.