Girls who fear that they are to be taken abroad for a forced marriage have been advised to trigger airport security scanners by hiding a spoon in their underwear. This will raise the alarm (if they are over 16) with airport staff who will take them to a private area where they have a last chance to disclose what is planned for them.. This advice has been given in both Britain and Sweden.
No one knows for sure how many Britons are forced into marriage each year. Estimates range from 1,500 to 5,000. More than a third of those affected are thought to be aged under 16.
"Nobody knows what the true figure is because so many young victims are terrified of coming forward. But it is definitely much, much higher than what is reported."
Freedom Charity has produced an app for potential victims of forced marriage or other abuse. It is also aimed at friends of those women who may be at risk and professionals such as teachers. Since the app was launched in March, more than 1,000 people have contacted Freedom Charity using the technology. The charity also has a 24-hour helpline.
The Karma Nirvana charity usually fields 6,500 calls a year from around Britain. This year, it has already reached that number.
www.theguardian.com/world/2013/aug/15/women-forced-marriage-spoon-underwear
www.reuters.com/article/us-sweden-forcedmarriage-airport/swedish-girls-fearing-forced-marriage-told-to-hide-spoon-in-underwear-idUSKCN1IM1KU
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-44812530
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