A working group was established to take ideas forward. Initially P&K Council was also involved and each of the three councils took one area to produce a Protocol: Dundee – Female Genital Mutilation, Angus – Honour Based Violence, and P&K – Forced Marriage.  P&K subsequently withdrew but work continued on the three Protocols. The suite of three Protocols was produced and launched in Carnoustie in August 2015, jointly funded between Dundee and Angus.

 

Training for trainers has taken place and joint training for professionals (social workers, teachers, health visitors and their managers) is a priority. This is being developed by a short life working group consisting of the original representatives but also including the police and NHS Tayside.

 

The Protocols will be reviewed to ensure they are the best fit for the organisations using them, and to take cognisance of any new guidance issued by Scottish Government.

 

The number of reported incidences of HTP in Tayside children and adults is relatively small but it does exist - there have been several instances we already know of. The impact on an individual can be life or death and there is often only one chance to get it right for them.

 

The main benefit  of developing the Protocols is that professionals become aware of the issues involved and what to look out for, in an area of work which for many will be unknown. There are flowcharts in the Protocols which make it clear where the differences are between HTP and Child Protection. The full Protocols contain guidance and a list of contacts and their telephone numbers should professionals find themselves in a situation where such information is needed, often as a matter of urgency.