17th June 2014

Forced marriage becomes a criminal offence

Forcing someone to marry became a criminal offence in England and Wales on the 16th of June 2014, the Prime Minister and Home Secretary Theresa May announced. With an estimated 8,000 women a year currently forced into marriages, the change in law will be accompanied by a range of measures aimed at increasing support and protection for victims, with an ongoing focus on prevention.

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “It is the right of every individual to make their own choices about their relationships and their future. Forced marriage is an appalling practice and by criminalising it we are sending a strong message that it will not be tolerated. But we know that legislation alone is not enough and we will continue to work across government and with frontline agencies and organisations to support and protect victims.”

However, some practitioners and academics within the sector argue that criminalising forced marriage could drive the issue further underground, with concerns that victims will be reluctant to condemn relatives to a criminal record or that victims may be taken overseas for marriage at a much earlier age.

The plans were unveiled following a 12-week consultation with the public, victims, charities and frontline agencies.

FIND OUT MORE

Information about the Home Office's forced marriage consultation.