Foreign & Commonwealth Office Forced Marriage Unit

A forced marriage is where one or both people do not or cannot consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used to force them into the marriage. It is also when anything is done to make someone marry before they turn 18, even if there is no pressure or abuse.

Forced marriage is illegal in the UK. It is a form of domestic abuse and a serious abuse of human rights.

The pressure put on people to marry against their will may be:

• physical: for example, threats, physical violence or sexual violence
• emotional and psychological: for example, making someone feel like they are bringing ‘shame’ on their family

Financial abuse, for example taking someone’s wages, may also be a factor.

The FMU operates a public helpline to provide advice and support to:

• victims and potential victims of forced marriage
• professionals dealing with cases

The FMU public helpline can help with:

• safety advice
• providing assistance when an unwanted spouse is due to move to the UK (‘reluctant sponsor’ cases)
• where possible, assistance in repatriation of victims held against their will overseas

The FMU has also developed free forced marriage e-learning for professionals. The modules aim to enable professionals to recognise the warning signs and ensure that appropriate action is taken to help protect and support all those at risk.