Welcome to DU!
The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards.
Join the community:
Create a free account
Support DU (and get rid of ads!):
Become a Star Member
Latest Breaking News
General Discussion
The DU Lounge
All Forums
Issue Forums
Culture Forums
Alliance Forums
Region Forums
Support Forums
Help & Search
General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsIn this terrible news day, a bright spot:
Since 2008, courts have been able to issue civil orders to prevent victims being forced into marriage. However, the new law makes forced marriage a criminal offence for the first time - punishable by up to seven years in prison. Ministers say it will protect thousands of potential victims each year.
It will apply to people forced into marriage in England and Wales, as well as UK nationals who are at risk of being forced into marriage abroad. Last year, the government's Forced Marriage Unit dealt with 1,302 cases. Some 82% of victims were female and 18% male while 15% were under the age of 15.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Last week, it emerged that the number of children who rang ChildLine worried they could be forced into marriage had nearly trebled in the last three years. Dr Ash Chand, from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, said: "Many young people who call our ChildLine service about this issue are frightened, concerned and feel control of their lives is being wrenched from them." He hailed the law as a "huge step forward".
Best news I've seen all day - but then, given much of the news today that's not necessarily difficult...but good news just the same.
InfoView thread info, including edit history
TrashPut this thread in your Trash Can (My DU » Trash Can)
BookmarkAdd this thread to your Bookmarks (My DU » Bookmarks)
3 replies, 1311 views
ShareGet links to this post and/or share on social media
AlertAlert this post for a rule violation
PowersThere are no powers you can use on this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
ReplyReply to this post
EditCannot edit other people's posts
Rec (23)
ReplyReply to this post
3 replies
= new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight:
NoneDon't highlight anything
5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
In this terrible news day, a bright spot: (Original Post)
kiva
Jun 2014
OP
Uncle Joe
(58,403 posts)1. Kicked and recommended.
Thanks for the thread, kiva.
Wounded Bear
(58,696 posts)2. K & R
Child abuse is child abuse, regardless of any 'religous' rationalization for it.
enlightenment
(8,830 posts)3. A long time coming and overdue.
Very good news on a terrible news day.