13/06/2014

Childline Concerned Over Rise In Calls About Forced Marriage

The charity ChildLine has expressed concerns over the number of children who rang them worried they could be force into marriage.

The charity says that the number of such calls has nearly trebled since 2011.

There were 55 callers three years ago, rising to 141 in 2013, with callers ranging in age from 12 to 15.

Forced marriage will be criminalised in England and Wales with the introduction of the the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill, and punishable by up to seven years in jail.

To mark the change in the law, Childline and the NSPCC has produced an animated film, encouraging young people to speak up.

(CVS/MH)

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