Asian Network

Survivors of forced child marriage in the UK share their personal experiences of being married as teenagers to older men, and the impact this has had on their lives, including experiences of abuse, rape, self-harm and thoughts of suicide. They describe how families, communities and professionals sometimes use honour-based abuse to control girls’ bodies and choices. And a senior prosecutor explains why marriage under the age of 18 is now illegal in England and Wales, and what changes are needed to ensure children at risk are identified, supported, and protected. If you’ve been affected by abuse, rape, self-harm or thoughts of suicide, you’ll find a list of organisations that can provide help and support at bbc.co.uk/actionline. The biggest stories affecting Asian Network listeners across the UK. Produced in Birmingham by Samsaara Productions for BBC Asian Network.