At least 100 children aged 12 or younger have been referred to the UK Government’s forced marriage unit over the past five years, according to Home Office figures reported by the outlet. The reporting indicates the referrals cover children who are under the age of 13 as well as those closer to school-leaving age.
The outlet frames the figures as highlighting a deeply concerning trend ahead of the new school term, citing a campaigner who warns that children may not attend school if they are targeted. While the available reporting focuses on the scale of referrals and the age range, it does not provide details on outcomes for those cases, the locations involved, or whether referrals lead to protections or prosecutions.
The other elements described—such as expectations of increased risk around the school year and the language used to characterize the trend—reflect commentary from advocates rather than additional official data.
