Forced Marriage
What is Forced Marriage?
A marriage must be entered into with the full and free consent of both people. The two people involved should feel that they have a choice. With forced marriage, one or both of the people involved are forced into a marriage against their will and without their permission. An arranged marriage is not the same as a forced marriage. In an arranged or assisted marriage, the families take a role in choosing and introducing the marriage partners. The marriage is entered into freely by both people.
Young people aged between 16 and 25 are most at risk of being forced into marriage
Forced marriage is now illegal in England and Wales. This includes:
· taking someone overseas to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place)
· marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (whether theyre pressured to or not)
Forcing someone to marry can result in a sentence of up to 7 years in prison. Everyone in the UK has the right to choose who they marry, irrespective of religion, family views, age or sexuality. The law in Britain helps to protect against forced marriages.
What is a Forced Marriage – Guidance
Film: Devastating Impact of Forced Marriage on Victims and Families
The Forced Marriage Unit has released a new film demonstrating the devastating impact of forced marriage on victims and their families. The film aims to raise public awareness of the issue and warns of the criminal consequences of involvement
Film: Devastating Impact of Forced Marriage on Victims and Families