Aneeta Prem

Background

About Aneeta Prem

Strangely, it was karate that led me to found Freedom Charity As the youngest Asian female to become a black belt karate instructor in the UK, I established and ran seven karate clubs. When I questioned why some of my students didn’t return after the summer holidays I became acutely aware of the issues around Forced Marriage and dishonour based violence and was encouraged by the then Metropolitan Police Commissioner, to found Freedom Charity with Lord Toby Harris. As a Trustee of Freedom Charity, I work tirelessly to protect the lives of children and young people by raising awareness of forced marriage, FGM and modern day slavery in the UK. I was the Metropolitan Police Authority Lead Member for Forced marriages and dishonour-based violence. I am also a Magistrate, having served in London for more than 20 years, and chaired the pan-London youth courts panel sharing best practice and organising conferences for youth magistrates and establishing programmes widening access to the magistracy for under-represented communities. In 2014 I was awarded the Point of Light Award by the Prime Minister for working to make Forced Marriage a specific criminal offence under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. I have written 2 Ofsted accredited books for young people, But It's Not Fair and Cut Flowers, supporting their learning around Forced Marriage and FGM and am an established commentator and broadcaster appearing on the BBC, Sky, CNN and major networks, with articles in the national and international press. No less important is my day job as Chief Executive of the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association. As a sufferer I am proud to work for this Association to promote and further its life changing Research programme and the support it offers to those who experience this complex and debilitating condition. Please visit