Midwives trained to help forced marriage victims
Midwives in the West Midlands are to be trained by the police to help spot victims of forced marriage and "honour-based violence".
About 50 Wolverhampton health workers are expected to attend a conference being held to raise awareness of the issues in Wednesfield on Wednesday.
Police hope health professionals will be able to identify potential victims when they meet new and expectant mums.
Midwives will be told to look out for signs of depression or self-harm.
Det Sgt Trudy Runham, who will be at the event at Graisley Lane Children's Village, said: "Linking in with midwives and health visitors may present as the only opportunity some victims may have to tell anyone what is happening to them.
"Midwives and health visitors can play a key part in helping to make people safe at the earliest opportunity."
She added: "These forced marriages can spiral into a number of criminal offences, which are often referred to as 'honour-based' violence.
"This violence can lead to assault, kidnap, false imprisonment and, in the worst cases, murder."