A forced marriage is a violation of an individual’s rights, where one or both parties are coerced into marriage against their will. If you or someone you know is facing the prospect of a forced marriage, it is vital to understand your rights and the support available to you.
From contacting the authorities to seeking expert legal advice, there are options to help protect you from harm and secure your future. At Crockett & Co Solicitors, we are committed to providing confidential, compassionate, and expert legal support to those affected by forced marriage so you feel less alone.
What counts as a forced marriage?
A forced marriage is a marriage where one person or both people don’t agree to the marriage. You may be experiencing pressure to agree to a marriage, and even if you say yes, agreeing to marry someone under duress is forced marriage.
Forced marriage is different to arranged marriages because in an arranged marriage, both partners agree to wed.
Is forced marriage illegal in the UK?
Yes. Being forced to marry someone against your will is illegal in the UK.
It is illegal to:
- Abuse, threaten or coerce someone into a marriage they don’t want
- Take someone abroad to force them to marry
- Agree to a marriage where one person can’t agree to be married. This could be due to a disability, or being under the legal age of consent
What are the signs that someone is being forced into marriage
Someone may be being forced into a marriage if they explain that they don’t want to marry but feel they don’t have another choice.
If someone discloses that they have experienced the following to encourage them to agree to be married, then the marriage might be forced:
- Physical or sexual violence
- Threats or emotional blackmail
- Financial abuse
- Emotional abuse, including the sentiment that they are bringing shame on their family
Some people may not realise they are being forced into a marriage, because they might believe that their parents are doing what’s best for them. But, if they don’t want to be married to their current or future partner but feel pressure to commit to them, then the marriage is forced.
Can you tell if someone is being forced to marry?
There may be other signs that someone you know is being forced into a marriage. These include:
- An engagement to someone they haven’t told you about before
- Running away from home
- A surprise holiday
- Withdrawing from friends and other support networks
- Increased presence of depression and anxiety
- Poor work performance
- Lack of control over their own money
- Attempted suicide
Why you should report a forced marriage
Forced marriages are illegal, but they are also very serious and can cause a serious amount of psychological and physical harm to one or both people in the marriage.
Whether the marriage is being arranged or has already occurred, it is important that you report it as soon as you suspect that something might be wrong.
How to report a forced marriage
If you are in danger of being forced into marriage, or you know someone who is, it is normal to feel scared and alone. But there are things you can do to make sure you are safe:
- Tell someone you trust. Even if they can’t do anything, having support will make a difference.
- Report the forced marriage to the police. Phone 999 and they will listen and make sure you are protected.
- Develop an escape plan. Make sure you have somewhere safe to go, and can get out of the house in an emergency.
- Contact the Forced Marriage Unit. They will provide advice and help on how to leave a forced marriage and help prevent a forced marriage from happening.
The Forced Marriage Unit
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) provides advice and support for victims of forced marriage, including anyone who is being threatened with forced marriage and those who are already in a forced marriage.
They can help when:
- You need safety advice
- An unwanted spouse is due to move to the UK for the marriage
- You require repatriation for being held overseas
To contact the FMU, use the following contact details:
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7008 0151
Email: fmu@fcdo.gov.uk
Facebook: Forced Marriage page
Twitter: @FMUnit
Who can apply for a forced marriage protection order?
You can apply for a forced marriage protection order if:
- You are already in a forced marriage
- You or someone you know is being forced into marriage
You can get an emergency order if you need protection as soon as possible.
Whether a forced marriage has already taken place, or you are in danger of being forced into marriage against your will, then Crockett & Co can help by applying for a Forced Marriage Civil Protection Order. This order will legally protect you from being forced into marriage.
We want you to know that you are not alone, despite what you may believe. We understand how frightening this time can be, but we will be there for you every step of the way, and help you access legal aid if you decide to press charges.
Over our 30 years providing legal assistance to people in vulnerable situations, we have witnessed many people regain their freedom, and we want you to know that we will do everything in our power to make sure you and your family are safe.
