Forced marriage and the age of marriage

Forced marriage is a criminal offence under the applicable law. In England and Wales, the minimum marriage age is 18, and the law also criminalises specified conduct intended to cause a child to marry before that age without requiring proof of coercion. The legal age differs in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

In England and Wales, a Forced Marriage Protection Order can help prevent a threatened marriage or protect someone already in one. Urgent court protection may be available.

FGM and protection orders

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is unlawful across the UK. In England and Wales, the law provides criminal offences, FGM Protection Orders and a specific mandatory reporting duty for certain known cases identified by regulated professionals and teachers in girls under 18.

Education helps people recognise risk and seek appropriate safeguarding advice before a child is harmed. Our Red Triangle campaign is specifically a symbol against FGM.

Virginity testing and hymenoplasty

The Health and Care Act 2022 makes carrying out, offering or assisting virginity testing and hymenoplasty unlawful across the UK under the relevant offences. A person’s agreement does not make a prohibited procedure lawful. A virginity test cannot scientifically establish whether someone has had sexual intercourse.

People at risk need clear information, suitable healthcare and safe safeguarding responses, not pressure or shame.

Consent, coercion and the right to choose

Marriage age and sexual consent are different questions. In England and Wales the general age of sexual consent is 16, while the minimum age to marry is 18. No age or family expectation gives another person permission to threaten, control or force someone into marriage.

Freedom uses the term Dishonour Abuse because abuse has no honour, while explaining the recognised terminology people may encounter in law and safeguarding guidance.

Sell your clothes on Vinted

Clear out a wardrobe, photograph suitable items and sell them through your own account under the platform’s rules. Decide how much of your proceeds to donate after fees and postage. Once you have been paid, you can give directly through Freedom’s secure donation page. Freedom does not sell the items or receive the marketplace payment automatically.

Sell on eBay

If Freedom is available through a verified eBay for Charity listing, eligible sellers may be able to select us through the platform. That exact listing must be checked before we advertise a direct eBay charity link. In the meantime, you can sell eligible items yourself and make a separate donation to Freedom.

Your art can support Freedom

Artists, galleries and creative groups can propose original art sales, exhibitions and fundraising auctions. An artist may sell their own work and donate an agreed amount. For a professionally organised auction or an item to be donated directly, contact Freedom before making arrangements so ownership, authenticity, fees, insurance and delivery can be agreed.

Gold, jewellery and valuable gifts

If you are considering offering gold, jewellery, antiques or another valuable item, please make an enquiry first. We should not ask anyone to post valuables or transfer ownership until Freedom has agreed that it can accept the gift and has suitable arrangements for valuation, security and sale.

A gift in your will is different. You can explore leaving your home or part of your estate to Freedom without selling your property during your lifetime.