Home secretary David Blunkett has branded forced marriages a "form of domestic violence that is simply an abuse of human rights".

His remarks came as the government was preparing to introduce laws to make such marriages a criminal offence.

The proposals will also include strengthening immigration controls by raising the minimum age for those moving to the UK to marry from 16 to 18.

Blunkett confirmed that many community, faith leaders and voluntary organisations had already expressed their concerns about families forcing their children to marry against their will.

A full consultation is due to take place by the end of the year.

A new law will also help to strengthen guidelines introduced this year by the government and the Association of Directors of Social Services to help social workers deal more effectively with victims of forced marriages.

Jasvinder Sanghera, Asian affairs manager at domestic violence charity Refuge, said: "Strong measures will give a serious message to perpetrators that forced marriage is a crime."

The government also proposes to set up a forced marriage unit to raise awareness and encourage victims to come forward.