Citation

Gill AK, Gould D. J. Gender Based Viol. 2020; 4(1): 89-105.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Centre for Gender and Violence Research, University of Bristol, Publisher Policy Press)

DOI

10.1332/239868019X15711199936183

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Forced marriage (FM) affects many communities in the UK and has far-reaching consequences for individuals and society. In light of the UK's new FM legislation, introduced in 2007 and 2014, this paper analyses the UK's first successful FM prosecution, concerning a mother who forced her daughter into marriage overseas. This case study highlights the importance of understanding the role that culture (including family values and norms) plays in FM, both in terms of achieving successful prosecutions and providing effective assistance to victims. This understanding is best developed by including intermediaries in police investigations and expert witnesses in the courtroom. The paper also explores how expert witnesses and intermediaries help realise the new legislation's potential to empower victims.

Keywords: best practice; coercion; consent; expert witnesses; forced marriage; policing

Language: en