Guidebook published on legal issues which affect women of ethnic minorities

Rights of Women has just published Pathways to Justice, a practical guidebook on the myriad of legal issues which affect women of ethnic minorities or people with an international element to their relationships and family set up. The book was written and edited by staff members of Rights of Women in consultation with law practitioners, academics and activists as a guide to individuals, non-governmental organisations, social workers and law practitioners. It covers human rights law, the law on marriage and civil partnership, divorce and civil partnership dissolution, financial arrangements following relationship breakdown and international child abduction.

The publication also provides information on the legal procedure concerning women seeking asylum in the UK/EU and immigration law, procedure in cases of domestic violence, the procedure for obtaining a spousal visa and indefinite leave to remain for non-EEA citizens. The chapter on domestic violence incorporates issues affecting women from ethnic minorities, such as 'dowry-related violence' and honour crimes. It sets out the procedure for obtaining non-molestation and occupation orders and makes reference to the recent change in legislation which renders breaching a non-molestation order a criminal offence. The chapter on forced marriage provides a number of relevant case references and explains the use of wardship in cases of forced marriage involving a child and the use of the inherent jurisdiction in adult cases. It also sets out the powers that are expected to be available under the new legislation (Forced Marriage Act 2007) which will come into force at the end of 2008.

More information can be found on the Rights of Women website:
www.rightsofwomen.org.uk.