Scottish Government
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Forced marriage

A second Protection Order has been issued in Scotland to protect a victim of forced marriage.

Since November last year Scottish courts have had the power to issue the orders, which offer increased protection for individuals who are affected by forced marriage.

The news comes as a new awareness drive begins to make sure that men as well as women in Scotland know how to seek help over the threat of forced marriage.

A third of all calls to the Scottish Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline in the last year were from men.

Health Secretary Alex Neil said:

"It is encouraging that two people have taken out an Order to protect themselves against forced marriage. This is testament to the validity of implementing new legislation to protect victims or those under threat of a forced marriage.

"We know people can be subjected to threats, assault, captivity or worse at the hands of their own family and we need to make sure that those affected by forced marriage receive the help and support they need.

"Forced marriage affects men as well as women and children and our legislation was designed to protect anyone living in fear or those who are being intimidated in any way."

Chair of Men’s Health Forum Scotland Tim Street said:

"'Men as well as women and children face the threat of forced marriage in Scotland. This is unacceptable and may cause mental health issues such as depression, as well as physical abuse of the victim.

"Being in a forced marriage takes away an individual's ability to make a choice and this is a clear breach of human rights. Everyone has a right to make their own decisions about their life."

For advice, support and protection visit www.yourrightscotland.org or call the women’s helpline on 0800 027 1234 or the men’s helpline on 0808 801 0327.

Of the 75 calls that were received since the legislation was introduced last November, 44 were from women and 24 from men.

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