Battersea's MP, Jane Ellison, has welcomed the launch of a Government consultation on criminalising Forced Marriage.

This follows the announcement in October 2011 by the Prime Minister, David Cameron, that the Government would criminalise the breach of Forced Marriage Prevention Orders. These orders block forced marriages from going ahead and protect potential victims.

Jane said, "It's good news for many women in this country that the Coalition Government is examining how it could criminalise forced marriage while ensuring that victims are not discouraged from coming forward.

"Forced Marriage - like domestic violence and female genital mutilation - is a harmful practice that ruins the lives of many hundreds of girls and women in London and across the country. We must do all we can to put an end to it and criminalisation could make people think again.

"I am pleased that the Prime Minister, Home Secretary and Mayor of London have all made the protection of vulnerable women a priority". Submissions to the consultation can be made at the Home Office website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/

The consultation closes on 30 March 2012.