19
Jun
2014
By Calvin at 16:05 GMT, 11 years ago
From 16 June 2014 forcing someone to marry became a crime in the UK.
Forcing someone to marry is where one or both spouses do not or cannot consent to the marriage, and duress is involved.
Detective Inspector Carl Moss said “Forcing someone into marriage can involve physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure. In some cases victims suffer violence and abuse from their family. Durham Constabulary welcomes this new legislation and will be ensuring all victims of this type of crime are provided with the necessary support.”
The new law will also offer greater powers in prosecuting those involved and those found guilty can face up to seven years imprisonment.
The civil solution of instigating a Forced Marriage Protection Order through the family courts will continue to exist alongside the new criminal offence, giving victims a choice.
Source Durham Constabulary News pages: https://www.durham.police.uk/news-and-events/Pages/News%20Articles/Forced-marriage-now-a-crime-in-UK.aspx
See also Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/12/contents/enacted
