Forced marriage refers to when a person is told to get married to a particular partner against their will. This could involve an element of physical, psychological or sexual threats from those forcing the marriage. This is to make sure the victim gets married in the way that has been predetermined for them.
Marriage could also be treated as forced if either or both the parties involved do not have the mental capacity to decide whether or not to get married. This could be thanks to an illness or disability. In cases where a potential victims mental state when agreeing to get married is relevant, it could still be treated as forced marriage even in scenarios where the victim was not explicitly forced into a decision. Forced marriage in any context is a criminal offence and carries a prison sentence of up to seven years.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of a forced marriage you should contact the Forced Marriage Unit. They can offer advice and support in these matters. Their contact information is below. if the threat of forced marriage is more immediate you should contact the police or 999.
Forced Marriage Unit
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
King Charles Street
London SW1A 2AH
Tel: 020 7008 0151 (Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.00pm)
Out of hours tel: 020 7008 1500 (ask for the Global Response Centre)
Email: fmuoutreach@fco.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage
Potential victims in forced marriages can apply for a forced marriage protection order from a County court. This order can prevent those who perpetrated the marriage including family members from doing several things. These include.
- Forcing the marriage
- Relocating abroad for forced marriage.
- Removing or revoking victims’ passports.
- Use of physical violence or intimidation against the victim.
- Telling anyone else to do any of the above things on behalf of those perpetrating the marriage.
Arranged marriages are treated separately. in these cases, both parties have agreed to get married and have had a choice as to whether or not to do this even if the marriage itself is loveless.
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