The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Bill received Royal Assent on 26 July 2007.

It comes into force on 25 November 2008.

The main aim of the act is to enable the family courts to prevent forced marriages from taking place and to stop attempts to force another person into marriage. Where a forced marriage has already taken place, the court will be able to make orders to protect the victim and help remove them from the situation.

Click here to read the full Act.