A law making it a criminal offence to force people into marriage comes into effect in Scotland today.
MSPs gave the go-ahead for Westminster legislation on the issue to be applied north of the border in a vote at Holyrood in January.
The criminalisation of forced marriage under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 was enacted in England and Wales in June.
Previously, forcing someone to marry against their will was not a criminal offence in Scotland, although courts have the power to issue protection orders to those at risk, which if breached could carry a two-year prison sentence.
During January's Scottish Parliament debate, MSPs heard that seven forced marriage protection orders had been granted since that legislation was passed in 2011.
The new law makes it a criminal offence for someone to use violence, threats or any other form of coercion to force another person into a marriage and carries a maximum custodial sentence of seven years.
The legislation brings Scotland in line with the Council of Europe's convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence, also known as the Istanbul Convention.
Equalities Secretary Shona Robison said: "Scotland has a strong record of tackling all forms of violence against women, including forced marriage, and today's enactment of this criminal law is a welcome step in protecting some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
"Criminalising forced marriage gives an additional layer of protection for those affected by this issue and the new offence demonstrates that we are committed to meeting our international obligations and ensures consistency of protection across Scotland and the rest of the UK.
"Not only does this move send a strong message of support to victims but it also demonstrates Scotland's unequivocal opposition to forced marriage to countries where this is prevalent and where there is a lack of a domestic legal infrastructure to protect people."
The Scottish Government is to publish guidance on the issue for relevant agencies later this week.
Lily Greenan, manager of Scottish Women's Aid, said: "Forced marriage is recognised as a form of violence against women.
"Scottish Women's Aid and our network of Women's Aid groups across Scotland offer support to women and girls subjected to forced marriage and those at risk.
"It is vital that public and third sector agencies respond promptly and appropriately to those at risk, and Scottish Women's Aid and our member groups Shakti Women's Aid and Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid will be delivering an updated package of training to front-line practitioners on this issue."
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