Aneeta Prem MBE is a British human-rights campaigner, author, magistrate and charity leader. She founded Freedom Charity in 2009 and is Chief Executive of TNA UK, The Facial Pain Charity. Her work addresses forced marriage, FGM, dishonour abuse and safeguarding, while advancing the patient voice in trigeminal neuralgia.
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 had to become clearer, stronger and easier to reach.
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.
Through Freedom Charity, I have challenged forced marriage, FGM and related coercion through education, public advocacy and practical safeguarding. This work has helped bring greater attention to child marriage, virginity testing and the responsibilities of professionals when someone may be at risk.
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. They help children and adults discuss pressure, secrecy, consent and the right to seek help. Freedom Charity has donated more than 100,000 copies to children, schools, professionals and community settings.
One belief guides my work: 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 work across safeguarding, law, education and patient advocacy to prevent abuse, improve understanding and turn evidence into practical action.
Aneeta’s current priorities reflect the areas where earlier action, clearer responsibility and sustained public attention can protect people and improve lives.
Children and adults at risk need protection before a journey, marriage or family decision removes their freedom. Aneeta’s work focuses on earlier identification, clear professional responsibility and help that is safe to reach.
Preventing FGM remains essential, while women and girls living with its consequences need accessible, trauma-informed healthcare and support.
Children cannot ask for help if nobody gives them the words. Aneeta supports practical education that helps pupils, teachers and professionals recognise risk and respond safely.
People with trigeminal neuralgia need earlier recognition, reliable information and care that takes severe facial pain seriously. Aneeta works to bring patient experience into support, services and research.
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.
