(BBC) Criminalising forced marriage could stop victims from speaking up if their parents are locked up, campaigners say.
While legislation sends a “strong message,” a charity working with victims said it also scared off others.
Rubie Marie, 35, who was forced to marry in Bangladesh when she was 15, said: “It is hard because you love your family, of course you do … But at the end of the day abuse is abuse.”
The Home Office said it was essential victims had confidence to speak out.
Forced marriage became a criminal offence in 2014, but only one case has been brought in Wales since then — with four convictions in total across the UK.
