Forced Marriage - Legislation Update
FAO: ALL
There are some important changes to legislation coming up regarding Forced Marriage. The Act will raise the age of marriage and civil partnership to 18 in England and Wales to protect children from the scourge of forced marriage.
This means that 16 to 17-year-olds will no longer be able to marry or enter a civil partnership under any circumstances, including with parental or judicial consent from 26 February 2023. It will not be possible for anyone under 18 to marry or enter a civil partnership after this date.
Implementation of the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Any officers presenting to children on International Women’s Day (8th March) may wish to use this as an opportunity to reinforce the new legislation message.
Please note that we are arranging a 1-hour webinar to be delivered by the CPIC Honour, Belief and Sex (crime and vulnerability) Partnership Team for all S&Y officers to attend. This will include
- Concept of Honour
- Forced Marriage and the new changes
- Forced Marriage Protection Orders
- Concepts of Purity and Virginity
- New legislation on Virginity Testing and Hymenoplasty
- Guidance for Schools and Colleges: Safeguarding Children from Sexual Violence, CSE and Harmful Practices
- Schools Charter on Ending Harmful Practices
An invitation will follow once a date has been agreed.
Kind Regards,
Saxon
