MORE women have been protected by Forced Marriage Protection orders than originally expected in their first 12 months of operation, figures released today reveal. As many as 86 orders have been issued, compared to the predicted 50 since they were introduced

By Mike Brooke

MORE women have been protected by Forced Marriage Protection orders than originally expected in their first 12 months of operation, figures released today reveal.

As many as 86 orders have been issued, compared to the predicted 50 since they were introduced last November.

They can include confiscating passports to stop someone being taken out of the country, or be used to force disclosure of someone’s whereabouts to return them to Britain if they have been taken abroad.

Justice Minister Bridget Prentice, speaking on today’s anniversary, said: “The protection orders demonstrate a need for action, but also for caution and understanding of a young person who might lose their family and community who will need long-term protection and support.”

The orders are tailored to each case to prevent a forced marriage or to offer protective measures when a forced marriage has already taken place.

They were introduced following the setting up of the Honour Network which gives support to survivors of forced marriage.