Aneeta Prem MBE is a British human-rights campaigner, author, magistrate and charity leader. She founded Freedom Charity to confront forced marriage, FGM and dishonour abuse, and leads TNA UK, The Facial Pain Charity. Her work turns experience into protection: giving children the words to seek help and ensuring people living with severe facial pain are heard.
“When I learned about a young woman at risk of forced marriage, and saw how easily fear could silence someone who needed help, I knew safeguarding and the law had to change.”
I was born and raised in Bethnal Green, within the sound of London’s Bow Bells. My public life has been shaped by a simple conviction: people should not be abandoned because abuse is hidden, pain is invisible, or those in authority fail to listen.
In 2009, I founded Freedom Charity because forced marriage and FGM were still being hidden behind culture, family pressure and silence. The charity works with children, schools, professionals and families, while providing clear routes to specialist help.
My campaigning helped move forced marriage from a hidden family issue into a matter of criminal law, safeguarding and public protection. I have also worked to strengthen awareness of child marriage, virginity testing, FGM and the wider systems of coercion that can trap people in fear.
Living with trigeminal neuralgia has shaped my work as CEO of TNA UK, The Facial Pain Charity. I have worked to strengthen patient voice, helpline support, expert webinars, digital access and practical information for people affected by trigeminal neuralgia and facial pain.
I am also the author of two safeguarding novels used in PSHE teaching, But It’s Not Fair and Cut Flowers. These books help children, schools, families and professionals talk safely about abuse, pressure, secrecy, consent and the right to seek help. Through Freedom Charity, more than 100,000 copies have been donated to children, schools, professionals and community settings.
My work is rooted in one belief: no child should be trapped by fear, no person should be silenced by pain, and no one should be left unheard when the right help could change, or save, their life.
I bring safeguarding, law, education and lived experience together to turn difficult issues into practical change.
For journalists, producers and event organisers
Aneeta Prem MBE is available for interviews, expert commentary and keynote speaking on forced marriage, FGM, dishonour abuse, safeguarding, violence against women and girls, trigeminal neuralgia and patient voice.
