A forced marriage is a marriage where one or both people do not, or cannot, consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used to force them to marry.
A person may be pressured into a marriage through emotional or psychological pressure, threats, physical violence, sexual abuse, financial control or other forms of coercion. They may also be threatened with being disowned, excluded from their family or community, or harmed if they refuse.
Forced marriage can affect people of any age, gender, sexuality, religion or cultural background.
Examples of behaviour that may be associated with forced marriage include:
- Being told that you must marry someone against your wishes
- Being pressured or threatened to agree to a marriage
- Being prevented from having or continuing a relationship with someone of your choice
- Being taken abroad against your wishes or having travel documents taken from you
- Being told that a family holiday or visit is planned when a marriage is being arranged
- Being monitored or restricted to prevent you from seeking help or refusing the marriage
- Being threatened with violence, abuse or being disowned if you refuse
- Being pressured to marry to protect family or community reputation
- Being told that refusing a marriage will bring shame or dishonour on your family.
You have the right to choose if, when and whom you marry. A marriage should only take place where everyone involved has freely and fully consented.
If you are worried that you or someone else may be at risk of forced marriage, you can seek support even if you are not ready to make a formal report.