Figures from NSPCC report a rise in the number of forced marriage counselling sessions for children
According to the charity NSPPC, there is a rise in the number of children being forced into marriages, children as young as 13 are being subject to this. The number of children attending counselling sessions has nearly quadrupled in five years.
Young children are being forced into marriage through violence, bullying and threats from adults. Children fear they will be disowned by their family and isolated from the community. Figures released have shown that counselling session around forced marriage in 2016-2017 increased by 12%.
It is important that people understand that forced marriages are a crime and no person should be forced into doing anything they don’t want to. People should speak up if they were forced into this or are in the process of being pressured into this. If anyone is frightened or scared and have no one to turn to they can contact Childline.
- Childline’s number is 0800 11 11. Adults worried about a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000
There is a new law tackling forced marriage that has been introduced by the government in the 2014 Anti- Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act.