Freedom Charity campaigned for stronger legal protection against forced marriage. Forced marriage is now a criminal offence in the UK, with the legal framework differing by jurisdiction.
Freedom Charity
We urgently need your support to continue our vital work to eradicate abusive practices
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Support, donate, Eradicate
WHAT WE STAND FOR
We are a UK-based charity supporting people affected by forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse.
Freedom works to protect children and young people from abuse and coercion through its helpline, safeguarding education, specialist resources and professional training. Our school resources include lesson materials awarded the PSHE Association Quality Mark. We also provide the Freedom App and training to help professionals recognise warning signs and respond safely.
What your donation can provide
£10
can contribute to Freedom Charity’s safeguarding education, prevention and specialist resources
£30
can help fund safeguarding resources, education and routes to specialist support
£150
can make a substantial contribution to Freedom Charity’s safeguarding, education and practical support work
£500
can support a larger package of safeguarding education, prevention, awareness and practical assistance
Evidence & Impact
Change The Law
Freedom App
We developed the Freedom App to provide accessible information, safeguarding guidance and routes to help for people affected by forced marriage, FGM and related abuse.
Helpline
A specialist 24/7 helpline for people affected by forced marriage, FGM and Dishonour Abuse.
Campaign
Freedom Charity campaigned against virginity testing and hymenoplasty. Both practices are now illegal across the UK under the Health and Care Act 2022.
Books
Freedom Charity has published two educational novels, But It’s Not Fair and Cut Flowers, to support learning about forced marriage and FGM. Copies have also been donated to schools, pupils and libraries.
Lesson Plans
Our forced marriage and FGM lesson resources have been awarded the PSHE Association Quality Mark and are designed to support safe, age-appropriate teaching.
Red Triangle
We designed and registered the Red Triangle Symbol which can be worn as a lapel pin badge.
School Visits
We regularly visit schools, giving assemblies and also supporting Key Stage 2 and 3 teaching.
Presentations
We present to local community groups to raise awareness of abuse.
Professionals
We provide bespoke training to front-line professionals - Educators, Police Officers, Social Service leaders, NHS staff, Court Judges, Border Force officials, and airline staff.
Press Commentary
See selected television, radio, press and public-speaking appearances, with a clear route for journalist, policy and briefing enquiries.
Ways you can help
There are practical ways to support Freedom Charity’s work.
Buy But It’s Not Fair or Cut Flowers, wear the Red Triangle badge, make a donation, invite Freedom into a school, book professional safeguarding training, or share our factual resources with someone who may need them.
Freedom Charity focuses on forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), Dishonour Abuse and honour-based abuse, virginity testing and hymenoplasty, safeguarding education and related forms of coercion within its charitable remit.
Training AND WORKSHOPS
Freedom Charity provides safeguarding education for schools and professional teams on forced marriage, FGM, honour-based abuse and related harmful practices. Schools can use the forced-marriage and FGM lesson packs hosted by the PSHE Association, explore But It’s Not Fair and Cut Flowers, and request pupil or staff sessions. Professionals can request tailored training and briefings. Schools · Professional training
In the media
Forced marriage became a specific criminal offence in England, Wales and Scotland in 2014 under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014; Northern Ireland has separate legislation. Freedom Charity has campaigned against forced marriage and provides education, resources and support relating to it. Read the current law and safeguarding guidance.
BBC World News
Forced marriage to become a crime
Latest News & Updates
Read Freedom Charity’s latest safeguarding articles, policy commentary, case updates and campaign news.
Female Genital Mutilation
FGM is recognised internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children.
Virginity Testing
Freedom Charity campaigned against virginity testing and hymenoplasty. Both practices are now criminal offences across the UK under the Health and Care Act 2022.
Freedom Charity App
The Freedom App was developed in conjunction with the government’s Forced Marriage Unit and the Metropolitan Police to give users quick access to help and advice.
Safeguarding education
Freedom Charity provides schools and professional teams with education, resources and training on forced marriage, FGM, honour-based abuse and related safeguarding.