Take Action on Forced Marriage, FGM & Dishonour Abuse

Take Action with Freedom

Learn what matters. Respond safely. Create useful change.

Freedom Charity helps young people, schools, universities, communities and workplaces take safe, practical action on forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and Dishonour Abuse. Choose the route that fits you, use the downloadable guide and follow the Freedom Method: Know. Notice. Respond. Change.

Choose your route
I need help
KNOWBuild accurate knowledge.
NOTICERecognise warning signs and gaps.
RESPONDListen, stay within role and use the right route.
CHANGETurn learning into safer practice and action.

Four ways to take part

Choose the route that fits

Each route has its own responsibilities, safeguarding boundaries and practical PDF guide.

01 · AGES 11–17

Freedom Youth Groups

For schools, sixth forms and recognised youth settings. Learn, create, campaign safely and know what to do if somebody needs help.

Explore Youth Groups →

02 · UNIVERSITY & COLLEGE

Freedom Student Groups

For students who want informed campus action on forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse without becoming a student-run casework service.

Explore Student Groups →

03 · COMMUNITY

Freedom Community Action

For adults, local groups and networks sharing reliable information, hosting approved activity and strengthening safe routes to help.

Explore Community Action →

04 · WORKPLACE

Freedom at Work

For employers, People/HR teams, staff networks and professional settings improving awareness, training and response routes.

Explore Freedom at Work →

Practical tools

Download and use

Each route includes a practical PDF guide. Youth Groups also have a separate Adult Lead Guide for teachers, youth workers and responsible adults.

Freedom Action Cards →
Youth Group Adult Lead Guide →

For organisations

The Freedom Method

The Freedom Method is the safeguarding-first framework behind all four routes. It is currently presented as a pilot framework for testing, governance, partnership and evaluation.

Read the pilot framework →

Start safely

Three steps

1. Choose the routeYouth, student, community and workplace action each carry different responsibilities.
2. Read the guideUse the route PDF and the Freedom Method to plan safe, useful activity.
3. Contact FreedomGet in touch before public co-branding, media activity, formal partnership work or activity presented as being run by Freedom.

Taking action does not make you a caseworker

Do not investigate concerns, contact family members or alleged perpetrators, promise secrecy, mediate, or try to manage somebody else’s case. Young people should never be pressured to disclose personal experience, be photographed, speak publicly or take on a role they do not want. Safeguarding responsibility stays with the appropriate adults and organisations.

For schools

Education and safeguarding resources

Schools can combine Take Action with Freedom with Freedom’s established education resources.

PSHE Association Quality Mark resources →
Forced marriage and FGM lesson resources →
Warning signs in schools →

Quick answers

Common questions

Who can take part?

There are routes for young people aged 11–17, university and college students, adults and community groups, and workplaces or professional settings.

Do I need safeguarding experience?

No. Participants are not expected to act as safeguarding professionals. Each route makes the limits of the role clear and directs concerns to the appropriate safeguarding or support route.

Can my organisation use the Freedom Method?

Schools, universities, charities, public bodies and employers can discuss pilots, partnerships and appropriate adoption with Freedom. The method remains a pilot framework pending testing and independent review.

Where do I go if someone needs help?

Use the safeguarding or support route you have been given. You can also go directly to Freedom’s Helpline. If somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.

Ready to begin?

Choose a route or talk to Freedom

We can help you identify the right starting point for your school, group, community or workplace.

Contact Freedom