CONVERSATIONS around forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) were held between passengers and police at Birmingham Airport.
As part of Operation Groundbreak police officers, police staff and Border Force officers handed out leaflets and held conversations with passengers heading abroad, offering guidance and highlighting support services available both locally and nationally.
The operation coincided with the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Honour-Based Abuse and Forced Marriage, marked each year on July 14.
The day honours those who have lost their lives due to these devastating crimes and serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for prevention, support and education.
Forced marriage and FGM are hidden crimes, so another purpose of the operation was to proactively try and identify anybody who might have been at risk or had already undergone any of these practices to offer them the support they would need.
Operation Groundbreak will run at key times of year, particularly during school holidays, when young people may be most at risk of being taken abroad for forced marriage or FGM.
Police Staff Investigation Officer, Mindy Mahil, added: “The West Midlands Police region is amongst the busiest in the country with cases of honour-based abuse, however, we also lead the way nationally with criminal investigations and Forced Marriage Protection Orders.
“Operation Groundbreak allows us to reach those who might be at risk, raise awareness and offer real pathways to safety and support. We have dedicated officers who are trained to listen, safeguard and take action – including the use of civil orders, such as Female Genital Mutilation Protection Orders, which help prevent abuse before it occurs.
“However, the police cannot tackle those issues alone. That’s why collaborative efforts are so vital. It was fantastic to see officers from West Midlands, Staffordshire and Warwickshire Police working side by side with the Home Office and Border Force throughout the operation.
“Many of the passengers we spoke to expressed a positive sentiment towards the operation, with some saying that they had experienced the traumas of FGM when they were younger, so were reassured to see police out conducting this operation at the Airport.”
Al Titterington, terminal operations director at Birmingham Airport, added: “Passenger safety is our highest priority, and we are pleased to support Operation Groundbreak with our policing and safeguarding partners.
“Raising awareness of these serious issues is a vital step toward protecting vulnerable people travelling through our airport. We’re committed to creating a safe and welcoming space for all.”
As part of wider engagement with passengers about forced marriage and FGM, officers also made a significant arrest.
A man was detained on suspicion of controlling and coercive behaviour, non-fatal strangulation and rape. The arrest took place as the suspect attempted to return his wife to India, where it is believed he intended to revoke her visa and abandon her, leaving her with no means of support.
Anyone with information or concerns about forced marriage or FGM should get in touch with us through our website or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.