Young at higher risk of forced marriage

YOUNG people are at the greatest risk of being forced to marry against their will, according to new statistics that reveal an “alarming” number of victims.

The Government’s Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) dealt with 1,485 cases last year involving 60 countries worldwide – and of those in the UK, seven per cent were in Yorkshire.

Of the 744 cases where the potential victim’s age was known, more than 600 were under 26, close to 100 of whom were 15 or younger.

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The true scale of the problem is feared to be much greater, with many cases thought to go unreported.

Home Office minister Jeremy Browne said: “Forced marriage is a devastating form of abuse that is absolutely unacceptable in our society. The new figures show an alarming number of victims, including the young and vulnerable.

“It is vital we protect them. By criminalising forced marriage the Government is sending a strong message that this terrible practice will not be tolerated.”

West Yorkshire has previously been named as a hot spot for forced marriage in the UK, with Bradford ranking as the fourth busiest city based on helpline calls to charity Karma Nirvana.

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The latest figures show Yorkshire had the fifth-highest number of cases in the UK in which the FMU offered advice or support in 2012, behind London, the West Midlands, the South East and the North West.

The data was released as a new smartphone app was launched by the charity Freedom. The app, part-funded by the FMU and designed to look like a game, offers potential victims information and advice on where to find help.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office minister Mark Simmonds said the Government would use every means at its disposal to eliminate the “appalling and indefensible practice”.

“We want those who are worried about forced marriage to know there is help out there,” he said.

Anyone with concerns can call the FMU helpline on 0207 008 0151.