NEW laws to stop women being forced into marriage and to protect those already married against their will have come into force.

The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 will give courts the power to stop forced marriages. Up to 70 people in East Lancashire are victims of forced marriages each year, police said.

Justice minister Bridget Prentice said: “This new law is a powerful tool that will help ensure that no one is forced into marriage against their will and those already in such marriages will receive protection.”

Under the Act, a Forced Marriage Protection Order can be made to protect people at risk of being forced into a marriage.

Courts will be able to order passports to be handed over and reveal the whereabouts of a person thought to be at risk.

Anyone failing to comply with an order could face jail.

Ibrahim Masters, of Lancashire Police Authority, said: “By increasing awareness and working with the victims we can improve the situation.”