New laws to prevent forced marriages and protect those who have already fallen victim have been introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
New laws to prevent forced marriages and protect those who have already fallen victim have been introduced in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Under the legislation, a victim, friend or the police can apply to a court for a Forced Marriage Protection Order.
The laws mean anyone convicted of trying to force someone into marriage could be jailed for up to two years.
These injunctions will forbid families from actions such as taking people abroad for marriage, seizing passports or intimidating victims.
A victim, friend or police can apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order.
These court injunctions will forbid families from actions such as taking people abroad for marriage, seizing passports or intimidating victims.
Penalties for breaching an order include up to two years' imprisonment.
Penalties for breaching an order include up to two years' imprisonment.
The legislation is the first to specifically target the problem of forced marriages.
The legislation is the first to specifically target the problem of forced marriages.
Previously the issue had been dealt with through existing measures, such as those contained in the Children's Act, and immigration laws.
Previously the issue had been dealt with through existing measures, such as those contained in the Children's Act, and immigration laws.
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."
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."
A Forced Marriage Protection Order could also require family members to reveal a person's whereabouts.
A Forced Marriage Protection Order could also require family members to reveal a person's whereabouts.
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 with the tools and powers they need."
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 with the tools and powers they need."
The new legislation was welcomed by Shaminder Ubhi, director of the Ashiana Network, which supports South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women who are experiencing domestic violence.
The new legislation was welcomed by Shaminder Ubhi, director of the Ashiana Network, which supports South Asian, Turkish and Iranian women who are experiencing domestic violence.
"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".
"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".
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