⚖️ 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.
Both parties retain the right to freely accept or refuse. Cultural and religious traditions are respected. Legal and lawful.
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- ▸ Unexplained absence; withdrawn from school rolls early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
- ▸ See the person alone and 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
- ▸ 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