As it stands, the minimum age to enter into a marriage in England and Wales is sixteen years old with the consent of a parent or guardian. Campaigners are now calling for a change to this law, with UNICEF stating that marriage before the age of 18 is a fundamental violation of human rights. MPs are currently discussing …
“I will not be a victim for my parents’ honour and reputation. I will not live in shame. I am now free.” The right to choose who you marry, when you marry and if you marry is a fundamental human right which needs to be safeguarded under all circumstances. Forcing someone to marry is illegal in …
The statistics by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) 2017 revealed that 1 in 4 of the UK population will experience depression. Many South Asian communities regard depression as taboo, something that is brushed under the carpet. It is often hidden from family and friends to elude the image of a perfect family. A report …
New figures released by the NSPCC reveal that there has been a 12% increase in counselling sessions about forced marriage in the previous year. Summer is often a high-risk period for potential victims of forced marriage, as many are lured away on “holidays” only to be married off abroad against their will. However, a shocking 11% of …
‘Muslim model, 24, is found hanged after fearing she was going to be forced into arranged marriage by her parents’ ‘The Hasidic woman … [who] killed herself suffered years of depression following her forced marriage to a first cousin’ These are just a few of the headlines from the media last month. The message is …
Early last month, ITV aired an episode called ‘Forced to Marry’ as part of their TV series called ‘Exposure’. The episode followed two undercover reporters as they approached 56 masjid (mosques) in the UK asking whether they would agree to perform the marriage of a 14 year old girl. The majority, 67% (38), refused and …
The British government recently warned local authorities and front line staff – including those at airports – to be aware of the increased risk of forced marriage during the summer holidays. Summer holidays are a prime time for British girls to be taken abroad to be forced into marriage and hundreds of suspected victims disappear …
