Drive To Tackle Forced Marriage

Police are urging more victims of forced marriages and domestic abuse within black and ethnic communities to come forward for help. A conference is being held in Glasgow to raise the profile of the culturally sensitive support available.

The practice of forcing brides to get married is rare but detectives believe many cases go un-reported. The event on Thursday will bring together women’s groups, police and the Foreign Office.

Councillor Irene Graham, Chair of the Glasgow Violence Against Women Partnership, said cultural and religious barriers often made it extremely difficult for victims to come forward and receive support.

She said: “There is a lot of evidence to show that mutually arranged marriages can be very successful but forced marriage can never be accepted within our society. Marriage through duress has a massive impact on the emotional well-being of women and children. But it is an issue that is invariably hidden away with many victims shamed into silence.

“We are working with communities to ensure we can create an environment in which people can begin to move on from their abusive relationships.”