Aneeta Prem saves lives

A new smartphone app launched this week by Aneeta Prem’s Freedom Charity could potentially save lives according to the Government and those working to combat forced marriages and dishonour-based violence.

The horrific stories about young women being beaten and even murdered, often by family members, is a grime reminder that those young women affected need a safe outlet to alert authorities and others about the dangers they might be in.

This App aimed primarily at people in their teens and early twenties, has been designed to look like a game so as not to arouse suspicion from parents and to make it attractive to use. However, it carries serious information, listing the warning signs to look out for in cases of violence and potential forced marriages. Last year alone nearly 1500 people were given Government advice about potential Force marriage situations.

At the launch of the House of Commons Aneeta Prem, founder of Freedom Charity, said:

We listened to young people and took action when they told us they would prefer information to be communicated to them by way of an app. In accessing the Freedom app, the user is just two clicks away from getting life-saving help. It's the 999 of apps and we urge everyone to download it, for free, today."

Also speaking at the launch the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for Consular Policy, Mark Simmonds, said:

Forcing someone to marry is an appalling and indefensible practice which is why the Government is committed to eliminating it, with young people particularly vulnerable. We will use every means at our disposal, whether it’s engaging with schools and communities or through using mobiles and social media to reach potential victims. We want those who are worried about forced marriage to know that there is help out there, no one should be suffering and be unheard and the app gives another voice to young people.”

Aneeta Prem is no stranger to OBV. Working with us over a number of years in her capacity as Chair of the Redbridge Magistrates bench, she has helped us to nurture a new generation of BME magistrates. In the last few years she has dedicated much of her time to helping vulnerable young Asian women escape the surge of forced marriages.

We wish her all the best and hope that sometime soon she takes her energy and skills onto a political stage.

Simon Woolley