Forced marriage now a crime as legislation takes effect

Forcing someone into marriage is now a crime in England and Wales, with a maximum penalty for the new offence of seven years' imprisonment.

Legislation took effect on16 June that also makes forcing a UK national into marriage outside the UK an offence under domestic law for the first time.

Forced Marriage Protection Orders may already be made by a civil court against any individuals suspected of trying to force a victim into marriage.

The new legislation makes the breach of such an order a criminal offence, with a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine.

"This will strengthen the existing law by enabling speedier and more effective enforcement action against those who breach the terms of an order," the Home Office said.

It added that it would still be possible for victims to seek enforcement for breach of a forced marriage protection order by way of the civil court's contempt powers as an alternative to reporting the breach to the police. 

Home Secretary Theresa May said: “Forced marriage is a tragedy for each and every victim, and its very nature means that many cases go unreported.

“Today’s criminalisation is a further move by this government to ensure victims are protected by the law and that they have the confidence, safety and the freedom to choose.”

Dr Ash Chand, the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s strategy head for minority ethnic children, said: “The change in the law is a huge step forward which we hope will deter those plotting against their own children.”