Crimes against the person and the family
Study note
UK law treats certain actions against people and within families as serious crimes. Domestic violence, which means abuse by a partner or family member, is against the law. So is female genital mutilation, often shortened to FGM, which is the cutting of a girl or woman for non medical reasons. Forcing someone to marry against their will is also a criminal offence.
It is important to understand the difference between a forced marriage and an arranged marriage. In an arranged marriage, families help to introduce the couple, but both people freely give their full consent, and this is lawful. A forced marriage, where one or both people do not agree, is illegal. For the test, remember that domestic violence, FGM and forced marriage are all crimes, while an arranged marriage entered into with the consent of both people is legal.
Memory tip: Forced marriage, domestic violence and FGM are crimes; an agreed arranged marriage is legal.
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Question 1 of 2 · true or false
Forced marriage is a crime in the UK, but an arranged marriage entered into with the consent of both people is legal.
Show all questions and answers for Crimes against the person and the family(2 questions with explanations)
Crimes against the person and the family: questions, answers and explanations
1. Forced marriage is a crime in the UK, but an arranged marriage entered into with the consent of both people is legal.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. Forced marriage is illegal; an arranged marriage with the free consent of both people is lawful.
2. Select TWO actions that are crimes in the UK.
- Domestic violence
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Paying your taxes
- Voting in an election
Correct answer: Domestic violence and Female genital mutilation (FGM)
FGM and domestic violence are both crimes in the UK.
Back to The UK Government, the Law and Your Role, or try a mock test or timed exam.