The  Domestic Violence, Stalking and Forced Marriage department contains specialist advisors who enable victims of domestic abuse to receive expert advice that many clients have expressed has “ saved their lives”.  

Rachel received the National Family Legal Aid Lawyer of the year award in 2012 and has been Shortlisted for Jordan’s National Family Partner 2014 in recognition of the ground breaking work of the department in this area. (See here for Rachel’s full profile).

Rachel and several other members of the department are Resolution Accredited Specialists in the field of Domestic Abuse and Forced marriage and Honour Based Violence.  Domestic violence includes physical, psychological, sexual, financial and coercive control. Forced Marriage Protection Orders are similar to Non Molestation Orders and are granted by the Courts to prevent a victim being forced into a marriage either in the UK or abroad.  

A Forced Marriage is defined as a marriage which takes place without the full informed consent of either or both parties. Forced Marriage Protection Orders can also be made after a forced marriage has taken place to protect the victim if he or she wishes to leave the forced marriage which may place them at risk of violence from their family members. Forced Marriage Protection Orders can be made against multiple family members including the person the victim was forced to marry as well as parents uncles, aunties and anyone else involved in the abuse.  

The Orders can also dictate that the victim’s passport should be lodged with the Courts for safe keeping.  Forced Marriage Protection Orders and can be enforced abroad and also in the UK. Victims can obtain Orders whether they are 18 or under 18.  

Breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order is now a criminal offence and is punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.  Legal aid is available to obtain a Forced Marriage Protection Order. Since 2014 Forced marriage is now a criminal offence in its own right.