The Shocking Case That Finally Stopped Forced Marriage in England
On May 23, 2018, a landmark verdict rippled through the UK. A mother‑daughter duo that once played a twisted game of “secret holiday” now serves as a concrete warning to anyone who thinks they can force a younger woman into matrimony.
How It Unfolded – The “Miracle” Trip to Pakistan
- At 13, the girl was whisked away to Pakistan under the pretense of a family vacation.
- Once there, she was told: “It’s time to get married.”
- She protested, but the mother defended her act by physically assaulting her and threatening to destroy her passport.
- Despite regaining her passport, the girl chatted for a few days until the wedding ceremony—right after her 18th birthday—was forced upon her.
- She was made to sign a certificate that formally recorded the marriage.
- Later, she returned home but had already endured a sexual encounter, and after coming back she gave in to the abortion.
- Meanwhile, the mother vanished back to Britain, backing out of the messy situation.
Legal Fallout – A New Precedent in the Bar
Britain banned forced marriages in 2014 and under the law this offence can carry a seven‑year jail sentence. Yet the court never came to a head until the mother’s prosecution.
- The High Court ordered the girl’s return before re‑entry.
- The mom threatened with black‑magic if she spoke up, showing how deep the pressure can go.
- Now, the mother becomes the first convicted person in England for forced marriage.
Chatting With the Victims’ Advocacy Group
Natasha Rattu of Karma Nirvana lobs a solemn question to all who think family‑pressure is “normal”: “If you’re not in legal jeopardy, you’re not effectively deterred.” She credits the verdict as a massive door‑open for other girls in similar rites.
What That Means For Those Still Living in Fears
- Most victims don’t realize they’re being abused because they were conditioned into “parents decide spouses” as a life defination.
- The verdict screams: you have a choice. If your parents still try to wrest you into a bad match, the law will hunt them.
- Despite the nearly 2,000 possible cases reported in the last year, many more are hidden in the shadows.
- Just a few years ago, a Welsh man was convicted of “duress equals forced marriage.” This latest case shows the system is now tightening its grip under all angles.
Police Acknowledge the Bravery of the Girl
Detective Superintendent Sally Holmes highlights the girl’s courage, noting the police will thoroughly investigate any such offences, worldwide.
Final Thought
When a mother tricks her teen into a life‑changing gambit, no one should think this is a fairy tale. The law now stands as a shield against that darkness, and it’s built on a future trend: no more forced marriages in England.
