Forced Marriage

A Forced Marriage is one where people are coerced into a marriage against their will and under duress.  Duress includes both physical and emotional pressure.  Forced marriage is an abuse of human rights and cannot be justified on any religious or cultural basis.  It is, of course, very different from arranged marriage, where the consent of both parties is present.  The tradition of arranged marriages has operated successfully within many communities and many countries for a very long time.

The Forced Marriage Unit sees around 250 cases a year.  “There used to be confusion between forced and arranged marriages,” explains a member of unit staff.  “They were seen as being part of a certain culture.  But that’s changing now.  Forced marriage is not a religious or cultural issue – it is a global human rights abuse”  Forced marriage means just that – where a victim (one was 13 years old) is told they have to get married and they don’t want to.

Cases can be difficult, as the young person doesn’t usually want to see their parents get into trouble.  “As well as providing guidance, if we know in advance that someone is about to be forced into marriage, we can work with partner organisations to find an appropriate way to support the victim.  If the victim goes overseas, our consular staff will work with the local police to do what they properly can to help the victim.  In extreme cases this can mean helping to bring them back to the UK if this is what the victim wants.”

Consular staff often face incredibly difficult situations – rescuing victims who have been held captive, raped or forced into having an abortion.  There is now an increasing emphasis on prevention rather than cure.  “We speak at outreach events to target communities, we are doing around 75 this year across the UK.  We also work closely with the media and have appeared in everything from Eastern Eye to Dear Deidre in The Sun.”

The Forced Marriage Unit is a single point of confidential advice and assistance for those at risk of being forced into marriage overseas.  We are determined to take all appropriate measures to prevent British nationals undergoing this serious human rights abuse.

If you fear you may be forced into marriage overseas, or know someone else who may be, they can help.  The sooner they know about the case, the more they can do to help. 

Forced Marriage Unit:    0207 008 0151