The government is to commit a further £330,000 towards the battle against female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage within at-risk groups in England, in an announcement timed to coincide with the UN’s international day of the girl on Saturday.

The announcement comes after campaigners had complained that while £35m has been pledged by the government to eradicate FGM abroad, just £1m has been allocated to tackling the problem in the UK.

The new funds from the government equalities office will be used for projects that offer expertise and support to vulnerable groups, with £100,000 for work to support victims and survivors of forced marriage, and £150,000 for community engagement in the highest risk areas for FGM and forced marriage.

Nicky Morgan, the minister for women and equalities, said: “These horrific practices are a violation of the rights of girls and women across the world, including here in the UK.

“This funding will offer further much needed support and guidance to those at risk or surviving, while reinforcing the message to communities that this practice will not be tolerated.”

The money will also fund “community champions” to work with local faith leaders to promote messages against FGM and forced marriage, as well as supporting girls at risk to speak out.

“New funding for our world-leading forced marriage unit will help us to rehabilitate more survivors, educate more professionals about the new legislation, and strengthen our work with faith groups to reinforce the message that forced marriage is not condoned by any major religion,” said Theresa May, the home secretary.

“We have already criminalised forced marriage, strengthening protection for victims and sending a clear message to perpetrators that it is entirely unacceptable.

“Together, we will continue to fight to protect girls whose education, freedom and ambition is at risk of being curtailed by unwanted marriage.”