A new law that prevents forced marriages taking place is due to come into force on 25 November. In addition, where a forced marriage has already taken place, the Court will be able to make orders to protect the victim and remove them from the situation.
 

The Forced Marriage Unit has reportedly dealt with over 400 cases of forced marriage in the last year, though it is believed that many more have occurred but have been unreported.

In one example, a young woman was told by her father & brothers that she was going on a trip to consider her family roots. Once overseas, she was held captive in a remote village, where she was beaten, threatened and had her passport taken away. She was then forced to marry against her wishes.

This new law will help in these situations because of the very wide protection that is offered. Almost anyone can bring an application to Court on behalf of the victim, though they will need the Courts permission to do so. The Order, a Forced Marriage Protection Order, can be made against a wide range of people, unlike other family law provisions where Orders can only be made against associated people.

There are a number of Orders that the Court can make, for example:-

• to prevent the forced marriage from occurring
• to stop violence and intimidation
• to stop someone being taken abroad including confiscation of passport
• to reveal the whereabouts of a person.

Only time will tell how successful this law will be but it is certainly hoped that it will provide much needed protection from abuse within the family.

 www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage