2nd August 2024
The latest Family Court Statistics have revealed a significant 20% increase in Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs) in 2023. The number of FMPOs issued this year is the second highest since their introduction in 2008. Each year, the Ministry of Justice releases data on the applications and disposals of FMPOs made in the High Court and county courts across England and Wales. This data has been published annually from 2009 to 2023 and quarterly from Q4 2008 to Q1 2024.
In 2023, there were 416 FMPOs issued, with 75% of all applications aimed at protecting individuals aged 17 or younger. This represents an 8% increase in applications compared to 2022. This notable rise aligns with the recent legislative change that made child marriage illegal as of February 27, 2023.
Key Findings
- Third-Party applications have increased by 66%: In 2023, 66% of FMPO applications were made by a relevant third party. Since November 2009, only local authorities, led by social care teams, have been granted this status.
- 75% of FMPO applications were for children: 75% of all FMPO applications aimed at protecting individuals aged 17 or younger.
- Child-Specific applications rose by 11%: FMPOs applied for individuals aged 17 and under have risen by 11% (2022 v 2023).
- There’s been a 65% increase in orders without an application: This shows the number of FMPOs made via Emergency Protection Orders (EPOs) and Interim Care Orders (ICO) has increased.
- The overall number of FMPOs has increased by 20% year on year: In 2023, there was a significant increase in FMPOs vs 2022. Comparing the last five years of data (2019-2023) with the previous five years (2014-2018), there has been an overall 3% increase in FMPOs. The increase in the last 5 years is particularly significant given the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact in 2020, which saw a slight decrease in forced marriages due to travel and marriage ceremony restrictions.
Implications and Concerns
The increase in FMPOs highlights a critical issue: once an FMPO is issued, there is very little information on what happens next. Has the risk decreased or disappeared?
The lack of post-FMPO monitoring is dangerous, as illustrated by the tragic case of Somaiya Begum. Despite an FMPO being in place to protect Somaiya and her siblings from threats of violence by her father if she did not marry a cousin in Pakistan, it did not prevent her uncle from murdering her. He has since been sentenced to life in prison.
A Domestic Homicide Review (DHR) will examine this case, emphasising the urgent need to learn from such tragedies to better protect future victims. This case underscores the limitations of relying solely on FMPOs for victim safety. There is a pressing need for professionals to remain actively involved with victims, as FMPOs can escalate risks due to the perceived shame against respondents, who are often the victim’s parents. Continuous engagement and monitoring are essential to ensure the effectiveness of FMPOs and the safety of victims.
Call to Action
Regrettably, these annual data releases are a sobering reminder of how little is actually known about Honour Based Abuse. We urgently need a clear statutory definition for Honour Based Abuse to improve understanding and reporting of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse cases.
We urge the government to adopt the sector-agreed statutory definition to enhance the reliability and quality of data on Honour Based Abuse. A clear definition will positively impact the identification, reporting, and ultimately, the prevention of these harmful practices.
Conclusion
The rise in FMPOs signals an urgent need for comprehensive protection measures for those at risk of forced marriage. Tragic outcomes, even with FMPOs in place, reveal that issuing orders alone is insufficient. We must ensure ongoing safety through continuous professional involvement and vigilant monitoring. Systemic failures have resulted in unnecessary loss of life. Immediate action is crucial to implement changes, learn from past tragedies, and establish a robust framework for safeguarding vulnerable individuals. The time to act is now.