New legislation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to protect victims of forced marriage and people who may be at risk of forced marriage, came into force on 25 November 2008.

The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 enables courts to prevent forced marriages and order those responsible to change their behaviour or face jail. It also provides recourse for those already forced into marriage. There will now be a sentence of two years in prison for attempting to force others into marriage.

The Government Equalities Office has published a factsheet setting out who is affected by forced marriage and where victims and potential victims can go for help. Factsheet also in Urdu and Arabic.