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16 March 2006
A campaign to drive down the number of forced marriages has been launched jointly by the Home Office and the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
Over 250 cases of forced marriage were reported last year to the Government's Forced Marriage Unit, with some of the victims as young as 13 years old.
The campaign launched today aims to increase awareness of the issues surrounding forced marriage and to publicise the support that's available for anyone affected by them.
Actors Meera Syal and Ameet Chana are supporting the campaign which will involve a series of radio and press adverts, TV fillers and poster campaigns.
What is a forced marriage?
The campaign will highlight the difference between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage, which is one that is conducted without the agreement of both parties.
It will also make clear that forced marriage is an abuse of human rights and a form of domestic violence, that can affect people from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Home Office Minister, Baroness Scotland, said:
'Forced marriage affects children, teenagers and adults from all races and religions, including Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims and Sikhs. And it is not solely an issue facing Asian communities. We deal with cases in the Middle East, Western Balkans and Africa.
'Forced marriage is a form of domestic violence and a human rights abuse. We are determined to help young people at risk and protect their right to choose whom they marry.'
Need to talk to someone?
If you've been affected by the issue of forced marriage, contact the Forced Marriage Unit:
Tel: 020 7008 0151
Website: Forced Marriage Unit's web page (new window)
