What is Forced Marriage?

There is a clear distinction between a ‘forced’ marriage and an ‘arranged’ marriage. In arranged marriages, the families of both spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage, but the choice of whether or not to accept the marriage remains with the prospective spouses.

A ‘forced’ marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not and/or cannot consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and emotional pressure. Duress can not be justified on religious or cultural grounds.

Staff are aware ‘forced’ marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not and/or cannot consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include;

• physical
• psychological
• financial
• sexual and emotional pressure

Duress can not be justified on religious or cultural grounds.

Resources

Visit the Forward UK Website

View the FCO Government Guidance

Visit the Karma Nirvana Website