Police force makes history by issuing first protection order for male victim of forced marriage

A police force has made history by issuing a protection order for their first identified male victim of forced marriage.

South Yorkshire Police described the move as a “huge step forward” in their efforts to prevent “honour-based abuse”.

The force said it issued a forced marriage protection order on the man, 19, after it was found that he had received threats for not complying to a marriage, to which he had promised his family he would consent when he was just five years old.

In a statement, Detective Inspector Suzanne Jackson claimed that although the force had issued numerous forced marriage protection orders for girls and women, this case was their first for a male.

She said: “In instances of honour-based abuse it is often assumed it only happens to girls and women, however there are also many boys and young men who are victims as well.”

Ms Jackson added: “Understandably it can be very difficult for children and victims who often feel unable to report and potentially prosecute their parents.

“However we are determined to ensure we can protect all victims and will utilise different tactical options, such as protection orders via the Family Court, to achieve this.”

South Yorkshire Police said it has also obtained protection orders for the teenager’s three younger siblings.

“I hope these applications send out a strong message, firstly to potential or current victims of forced marriage that we are able to assist and support you but also to those who still subject their sons and daughters to this, that we will take positive action to prevent this from happening,” Ms Jackson said.

_{Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2018, All Rights Reserved. Picture (c) PA Wire.}