Forced (or early) Marriage
What is a Forced Marriage?
A forced marriage is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of both people, where pressure or abuse is used. In a forced marriage you are coerced into marrying someone against your will. You may be physically threatened or emotionally blackmailed to do so. It is an abuse of human rights and cannot be justified on any religious or cultural basis.
It's not the same as an arranged marriage where you have a choice to wheter to accept the arrangement or not. The tradition of arranged marriages has operated successfully within many communities and countries for a very long time.
Forced Marriage Unit:
If you are worried you might be forced into marriage or are worried about a friend or relative, call and talk to our trained professionals for confidential advice and assistance on the following:
- Those who have been forced into marriage
- Those at risk of being forced into marriage
- People worried about friends or relatives
- Professionals working with actual or potential victims of forced marriage
If You Suspect a child is at risk contact:
Harrow Children Services
For More Information:
In An Emergency Always Dial 999
Domestic violence
24/hr helpline
Tel: 0808 200 0247
020 8736 6281
