This section explains what forced marriage is, and describes the help that is available to people who are or may become victims of forced marriage.

A forced marriage is a marriage that takes place without the full and free consent of both parties.

In a forced marriage, you are coerced into marrying someone against your will. You may be physically threatened or emotionally blackmailed to do so, or you may be a victim of psychological abuse. Forced marriage cannot be justified on any religious or cultural basis.

Forced marriages are not the same as arranged marriages, where you can choose whether to accept the arrangement or not. In an arranged marriage, families take the lead in selecting a marriage partner but the couple have the free will and choice to accept or decline the arrangement. The tradition of arranged marriages has operated successfully within many communities and countries for a very long time.

The menu on the left lists some sources of help for victims of forced marriage.

Forced Marriage Unit

This page explains what the Forced Marriage Unit is and how it can help in cases of forced marriage.

The United Kingdom Government has set up the Forced Marriage Unit to provide practical support, information and advice to anyone who has been through or is at risk of a forced marriage. The Forced Marriage Unit is a joint initiative between the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the Home Office.

Overseas cases

If you or someone you know is a British citizen, has been taken overseas, is being forced into marriage and wants help, the Forced Marriage Unit may be able to arrange for them to be rescued and brought back to the United Kingdom.

Visa cases

If you have been forced to marry overseas and you are now being forced to sponsor a visa for your spouse, you can contact the Forced Marriage Unit for advice. They can talk you through your options and may be able to make sure that the visa is refused.

Reporting cases of forced marriage

To report a case (or suspected case) of forced marriage, call the Forced Marriage Unit on 020 7008 0151. All the information you give will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Forced Marriage Protection Orders

This page explains what Forced Marriage Protection Orders are and how they can help people who are in a forced marriage or being forced into marriage.

A Forced Marriage Protection Order is a legal document, issued by a judge, which aims to change the behaviour of anyone who is trying to force you into marriage. It contains legally binding conditions on their behaviour, and if they disobey the order they can be sent to prison for up to two years.

Each Forced Marriage Protection Order is unique, as it is designed to protect you according to your individual circumstances. For example, the court may order a person or persons to hand over another person's passport or reveal where they are. In an emergency, an order can be made to protect a person immediately.

Forced Marriage Protection Orders were introduced by the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act on 25 November 2008. You can find out more about them on the website of Her Majesty's Courts Service.