CRIMINAL OFFENCE · FORCED MARRIAGE (CIVIL PROTECTION) ACT 2007

Forced Marriage

A criminal offence in England since June 2014. This guide covers the definition, the critical distinction from arranged marriage, Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs), warning signs, and what practitioners must and must not do.

Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 KCSIE 2025 Annex B
1,500+
Cases handled by the Forced Marriage Unit annually (FCDO 2023)
25%
Of FMU cases involve victims under 18 (FCDO 2023)
18%
Of victims were male (FCDO 2023) — including LGBTQ+ victims
7 years
Maximum sentence for the offence of forced marriage
⚖️ What Is Forced Marriage?

A forced marriage is one that takes place without the full and free consent of one or both parties. It is distinct from an arranged marriage, in which the couple retain the right to accept or decline the match.

✅ Arranged Marriage

Both parties retain the right to freely accept or refuse. Cultural and religious traditions are respected. Legal and lawful.

✗ Forced Marriage

One or both parties do not or cannot consent. Physical, emotional, or financial coercion may be used. Criminal offence.

Forced marriage also applies to those who lack mental capacity to consent — the person cannot give their free and full consent regardless of their apparent willingness.

🔒 The Criminal Offence & FMPOs

Since June 2014 (Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014), forcing someone to marry is a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of 7 years. It is also an offence to take a UK national abroad to be married without consent.

Forced Marriage Protection Orders (FMPOs) are civil orders available under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007. They can:

  • ▸Prevent a person from being taken abroad
  • ▸Require someone to hand over a victim's passport
  • ▸Stop intimidation or threats being made
  • ▸Be applied for by the victim, a third party, or the court itself

FMPOs are applied for in the family courts. The FMU can advise on the process: 0207 008 0151.

⚠️ Warning Signs
  • ▸Unexplained absence; withdrawn from school rolls early
  • ▸Request for extended leave — mentions going abroad
  • ▸Monitored or escorted at all times
  • ▸Sudden disengagement from future plans (college, work)
  • ▸Signs of depression, self-harm, suicidal ideation
  • ▸Fear of dishonouring family; anxious in presence of relatives
  • ▸Older sibling married early or taken out of school similarly
  • ▸LGBTQ+ victim — family seeks to "convert" through marriage
  • ▸Person with learning disability being married without capacity assessment
  • ▸Passport and identity documents held by family
🚫 What to Do — and What NOT to Do
✅ DO:
  • ▸See the person alone — create a safe opportunity to speak
  • ▸Refer immediately to MASH or call 101 / 999
  • ▸Contact the FMU for specialist advice: 0207 008 0151
  • ▸Apply for an FMPO if the person is at immediate risk of being taken abroad
  • ▸Record everything
✗ DO NOT:
  • ▸Contact the family or community to discuss concerns
  • ▸Attempt mediation or family counselling
  • ▸Send the person home if you think they are at risk
  • ▸Share any information with community elders or religious leaders
  • ▸Breach the victim's confidence to their family

📞 Key Contacts

Forced Marriage Unit
0207 008 0151 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm)
0207 008 1500 (emergency out of hours)
FCDO / Home Office joint unit
Karma Nirvana
0800 5999 247 · Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
HBA and forced marriage specialist
Police / MASH
999 (immediate risk) · 101 (non-emergency)
Local authority MASH for safeguarding referral
NSPCC
0808 800 5000
If the victim is under 18
→ Honour-Based Abuse Hub → FGM Hub