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07/06/2012
Cameron To Announce Decision On Forced Marriage
Prime Minister David Cameron will make an announcement today on whether forcing someone to marry should be outlawed amid speculation that it is to become a criminal offence carrying a maximum five-year prison sentence.
Describing it as "little more than slavery" and "completely wrong" Cameron said last year that he wanted to see forced marriage made a criminal offence in its own right.
But his declaration was met with concerns among those who work with the victims of forced marriage that such a step could actually deter the young women involved from disclosing the nature of the abuse and coercion they have suffered at the hands of their own families.
A Home Office consultation was launched last October at Cameron's request, to try to "make sure that such a step would not prevent or hinder them from reporting what has happened to them". The consultation closed in March and the prime minister is to announce this Friday the outcome with the home secretary, Theresa May.
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Describing it as "little more than slavery" and "completely wrong" Cameron said last year that he wanted to see forced marriage made a criminal offence in its own right.
But his declaration was met with concerns among those who work with the victims of forced marriage that such a step could actually deter the young women involved from disclosing the nature of the abuse and coercion they have suffered at the hands of their own families.
A Home Office consultation was launched last October at Cameron's request, to try to "make sure that such a step would not prevent or hinder them from reporting what has happened to them". The consultation closed in March and the prime minister is to announce this Friday the outcome with the home secretary, Theresa May.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
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16 June 2014
Forced Marriage Becomes Criminal Offence
Forcing someone to marry against their will is now a criminal offence. New legislation introduced today by the government is designed to help people in England and Wales. It also applies to UK nationals overseas who are at risk of becoming the victim of a forced marriage.
Forced Marriage Becomes Criminal Offence
Forcing someone to marry against their will is now a criminal offence. New legislation introduced today by the government is designed to help people in England and Wales. It also applies to UK nationals overseas who are at risk of becoming the victim of a forced marriage.
27 October 2004
New proposals to tackle forced marriage unveiled
New laws and a specialist, cross-government taskforce to promote human rights and protect victims are being proposed to help prevent forced marriages, the Home Office and Foreign Office have announced today.
New proposals to tackle forced marriage unveiled
New laws and a specialist, cross-government taskforce to promote human rights and protect victims are being proposed to help prevent forced marriages, the Home Office and Foreign Office have announced today.
26 January 2005
Educational guidelines on forced marriage launched
A new set of educational guidelines will be issued for teachers to enable them to help pupils they suspect of being forced into marriage.
Educational guidelines on forced marriage launched
A new set of educational guidelines will be issued for teachers to enable them to help pupils they suspect of being forced into marriage.
08 March 2012
New Law To Make Stalking Specific Criminal Offence
The Prime Minister has announced that stalking is to be made a specific criminal offence. Describing it as “an abhorrent crime” David Cameron said stalking "makes life a living hell for the victims". The PM will meet victims of stalking today at No.10 in a reception to mark International Women’s Day.
New Law To Make Stalking Specific Criminal Offence
The Prime Minister has announced that stalking is to be made a specific criminal offence. Describing it as “an abhorrent crime” David Cameron said stalking "makes life a living hell for the victims". The PM will meet victims of stalking today at No.10 in a reception to mark International Women’s Day.
30 March 2012
Consultation Finds Girl Of Five Forced Into Marriage
As a consultation looking into criminalising forced marriage in England, Wales and Northern Ireland reaches its end figures have shown a 5-year-old may be the UK’s youngest victim. The child is one of 400 in the last year to receive assistance from the government's Forced Marriage Unit.
Consultation Finds Girl Of Five Forced Into Marriage
As a consultation looking into criminalising forced marriage in England, Wales and Northern Ireland reaches its end figures have shown a 5-year-old may be the UK’s youngest victim. The child is one of 400 in the last year to receive assistance from the government's Forced Marriage Unit.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
