Victims of forced marriage often feel isolated and alone

The guidelines have been produced by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in conjunction with the Home Office and leading social workers.

Currently, some 250 cases of forced marriage are reported to the FCO each year but it is believed a great many more go unreported.

Some take place in Britain and others involve UK citizens being sent abroad.

Andrew Cozens, president of the Association of Directors of Social Services, said the move would help staff "who identify forced marriage, which often comes to our attention through domestic violence, non-attendance at school, or depression.

"These guidelines provide important, practical advice as well as criminal and civil remedies."

I felt like everyone had betrayed me One woman's personal testimony

Forced marriage is primarily, though not exclusively, an issue of violence against women.

Most cases involve young women and girls aged between 13 and 30, although, according the FCO says evidence suggests as many as 15% of victims are male.

Huma Awan, of the Incompatible Marriages Project, which has dealt with 300 cases of forced marriage in the past three years, put this figure even higher - at 40% male.

"This was a real eye-opener for me as it is usually seen as a very female issue," she said.

Key social worker guidelines See the young person alone Refer to support groups Assess the risk of harm Give personal safety advice Provide a place of safety Do not mediate

"A lot of men think it is not an issue they can go and seek advice on, but it is a very hard subject for both sexes to address."

Of the 300, 55% were youngsters aged between 16 and 20.

"Forced marriage is prevalent among the very young. They are easier to coerce, as opposed to those who are more educated," Ms Awan said.

Possible offences arising from forced marriage include threatening behaviour, assault, kidnap, abduction, imprisonment, rape, and even murder.

FCO Minister Baroness Symons said the guidelines were the product of two years of hard work and consultation.

She added: "They result from clear realisation that social workers will play one of the most crucial roles in tackling forced marriages over the coming years."