Forced Marriage
Marriage should always be a choice—not something you are pressured, threatened, or forced into.
A forced marriage is when one or both people do not—or cannot—freely give their consent to a marriage. This can happen through physical threats, emotional pressure, or abuse, and can take place either in the UK or abroad.
Forced marriage is not the same as an arranged marriage. In an arranged marriage, families may help find a match, but both people freely agree to marry. In a forced marriage, there is no real choice—saying “no” may not feel safe, or even possible.
What Is a Forced Marriage?
You may be in or at risk of a forced marriage if:
- You were threatened, pressured, or manipulated into marrying
- You felt unable to say no because of fear of consequences
- You were told you’d bring “shame” to the family if you refused
- You were made to believe you had no choice
- You were taken abroad unexpectedly and told to marry
- You were forced to marry someone while under 18 or without mental capacity to consent
The pressure may come from family members, friends, or community leaders, and may include:
- Physical violence or threats
- Emotional blackmail or isolation
- Sexual violence or coercion
- Economic pressure or loss of family support
“I didn’t think I was being forced—I just knew I couldn’t say no. My whole family was involved. I was scared of the shame, of being disowned. But I got help—and I found freedom.”
— Aisha, survivor
Forced Marriage and the Law
Forced marriage is a criminal offence in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. It is illegal to:
- Force someone to marry against their will
- Take someone abroad to force them to marry
- Marry someone who lacks the capacity to consent
- Pressure someone into sponsoring a spouse visa
- Breach a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO)
You are not to blame if you consented to marriage under fear or pressure—that is not real consent.
Who Can Help?
If you are at risk of forced marriage—especially if you fear being taken abroad—or need help leaving a marriage you were forced into, support is available:
Forced Marriage Unit (FMU)
The FMU can help you stay safe in the UK or get help while abroad.
- Email: fmu@fcdo.gov.uk
- UK Phone: 020 7008 0151 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
- From Abroad: +44 (0)20 7008 0151
- Out of Hours: 020 7008 5000
- FMU also provides a Forced Marriage Survivor’s Handbook with practical information for those seeking help.
Karma Nirvana Helpline
- Call: 0800 5999 247
- Support for those at risk of honour-based abuse and forced marriage
- Available in the UK and offers advice to those abroad
You can also speak to:
- A trusted teacher, GP, youth worker or social worker
- A domestic abuse organisation (like STN Women’s Lives Matter)
- A solicitor or legal advisor specialising in family or immigration law
The Impact of Forced Marriage
Being forced into marriage is not just a breach of your rights—it can also cause long-term harm:
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts
- Sexual violence or coercion
- Isolation from family, friends, and education
- Risk of abuse in the marriage, including rape and domestic violence
You have the right to choose who you marry, when you marry—or not to marry at all.
How We Support You
At STN Women’s Lives Matter, we offer confidential, culturally sensitive, and trauma-informed support to anyone facing forced marriage. We can help you:
- Apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order
- Plan a safe exit and access emergency accommodation
- Get help with immigration or visa pressure
- Receive legal support and counselling
- Rebuild your life with support groups, education and advocacy
You have a right to say no. You have a right to be safe. You have a right to be free.
Raising Awareness and Training
We also work with:
- Schools and colleges
- Health and safeguarding professionals
- Faith and community groups
- Frontline workers
Our training covers honour-based abuse, coercion, and forced marriage prevention, helping communities and professionals to recognise, respond, and protect.