Support launched for forced marriage victims

The government has launched a support network and handbook in order to help survivors of forced marriage start a new life.

The handbook offers practical help and information to help survivors take control of their lives, while a survivors' network is also being launched in partnership with Karma Nirvana, a forced marriage NGO, which will provide long-term emotional support.

The network has received £30,000 of funding from the government's Forced Marriage Unit.

The unit deals with around 5,000 inquiries and helps rescue up to 300 women, children and men who are trapped in abusive, forced marriages every year.

Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland said: "Forced marriage is terrible for those women, children and men who find themselves in an often violent and abusive situation against their will.

"It's something that should not be happening in the modern world - it's not a respected cultural or religious tradition. Neither does it have anything to do with honour - there can be no honour in a marriage based on force and hostility.

"The government is determined to help the victims of forced marriage and the handbook and network announced today they are important steps in making sure survivors get the help they need and deserve to lead a new life."

Foreign Office Minister Lord Triesman said: "Today we are launching our two-year strategy to combat forced marriage. We have developed this strategy to ensure that we continue to raise awareness of the issue, and to highlight the help that is available.

"The strategy will help us strengthen the partnership we have with those organisations who are involved in helping the victims of forced marriage."

(KMcA/SP)