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25/11/2008
New Laws To Protect Victims Of Forced Marriages Introduced
New laws that would protect victims of forced marriage and prevent others from the same fate, have been brought into statute today.
The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 will enable courts to prevent forced marriages and order those responsible for forcing another into marriage to change their behaviour or face jail.
It also provides recourse for those already forced into marriage.
The law means anyone convicted of trying to force someone into marriage could be imprisoned for up to two years.
These court injunctions would prohibit families from actions like taking people abroad for marriage, seizing passports and intimidating victims.
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said: "This new law is a powerful tool that will help ensure that no-one is forced into marriage against their will and those already in such marriages will receive protection."
The Act has been supported by the Home Office and Foreign Office's joint 'Forced Marriage Unit' and the many voluntary and charitable organisations that provide support.
Shaminder Ubhi, Director of the Ashiana Network, welcomed the law. She said: "Understandably, not all people will want to seek legal redress but certainly this Act sends a clear message that forced marriage will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be held accountable."
Following public consultation, the Government is also publishing today statutory guidance setting out the strategic responsibilities of agencies in England and Wales who may be involved with handling cases of forced marriage.
Alan Campbell, Home Office Minister said: "We are determined to do all we can to support victims of forced marriage, prevent others from becoming victims and provide police and other agencies the tools and powers they need.
"We are bringing into force statutory guidance for agencies such as the police, education professionals and health and social workers which pull together existing guidelines on how to recognise and handle cases of forced marriage."
(JM)
The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 will enable courts to prevent forced marriages and order those responsible for forcing another into marriage to change their behaviour or face jail.
It also provides recourse for those already forced into marriage.
The law means anyone convicted of trying to force someone into marriage could be imprisoned for up to two years.
These court injunctions would prohibit families from actions like taking people abroad for marriage, seizing passports and intimidating victims.
Justice Minister Bridget Prentice said: "This new law is a powerful tool that will help ensure that no-one is forced into marriage against their will and those already in such marriages will receive protection."
The Act has been supported by the Home Office and Foreign Office's joint 'Forced Marriage Unit' and the many voluntary and charitable organisations that provide support.
Shaminder Ubhi, Director of the Ashiana Network, welcomed the law. She said: "Understandably, not all people will want to seek legal redress but certainly this Act sends a clear message that forced marriage will not be tolerated and perpetrators will be held accountable."
Following public consultation, the Government is also publishing today statutory guidance setting out the strategic responsibilities of agencies in England and Wales who may be involved with handling cases of forced marriage.
Alan Campbell, Home Office Minister said: "We are determined to do all we can to support victims of forced marriage, prevent others from becoming victims and provide police and other agencies the tools and powers they need.
"We are bringing into force statutory guidance for agencies such as the police, education professionals and health and social workers which pull together existing guidelines on how to recognise and handle cases of forced marriage."
(JM)
Related UK National News Stories
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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.
20 December 2012
42% Of Marriages End In Divorce
The number of divorces in England and Wales in 2011 was 117,558, a decrease of 1.7% since 2010, when there were 119,589 divorces, according to the Office for National Statistics. The number of divorces in 2011 was highest among men and women aged 40 to 44.
42% Of Marriages End In Divorce
The number of divorces in England and Wales in 2011 was 117,558, a decrease of 1.7% since 2010, when there were 119,589 divorces, according to the Office for National Statistics. The number of divorces in 2011 was highest among men and women aged 40 to 44.
12 June 2007
'Honour killings' condemned
So-called honour killings have been condemned in the wake of the conviction of two men for the murder of a female relative. Mahmod Mahmod, 52, from Mitcham in London, was jailed for the murder of his daughter, Banaz, 20, on Monday. His brother Ari Mahmod, 50, was also found guilty of Banaz's murder following a three-month trial at the Old Bailey.
'Honour killings' condemned
So-called honour killings have been condemned in the wake of the conviction of two men for the murder of a female relative. Mahmod Mahmod, 52, from Mitcham in London, was jailed for the murder of his daughter, Banaz, 20, on Monday. His brother Ari Mahmod, 50, was also found guilty of Banaz's murder following a three-month trial at the Old Bailey.
26 June 2015
20 Arrested In Major Police Operation Across Cardiff
Twenty people have been arrested in Cardiff following a large-scale police operation targeting suspected forced labour, money laundering, theft and abstraction of electricity.
20 Arrested In Major Police Operation Across Cardiff
Twenty people have been arrested in Cardiff following a large-scale police operation targeting suspected forced labour, money laundering, theft and abstraction of electricity.
30 March 2010
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
First Victims' Commissioner Appointed
Louise Casey has been appointed as the UK's first independent Victims' Commissioner, Justice Secretary Jack Straw announced today. Today's announcement comes as part of a package of reforms designed to improve the support and services available to victims and witnesses.
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