 |
Select Language:     |
|
Select Language: |
A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not (or in the case of some adults with learning or physical disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure
A forced marriage is when the bride, groom or both are forced into marrying against their will, usually by their families.
Men or women may be tricked into going abroad on a ‘family holiday’ and may be subjected to physical, psychological, emotional, financial or sexual pressure until they ‘agree’ to the marriage. Victims may be imprisoned and threatened with abandonment by their families if they resist the marriage.
Forced marriage is always an abuse of human rights and cannot be justified on any religious or cultural basis.
Are you in danger?
If you are being pressurised into marriage, it is important that you seek help. Never underestimate the warning signs –your parents may start planning a ‘holiday’ abroad or suddenly take you out of school.
Remember, you never have to marry if you don’t want to: the choice is always yours.
Who to contact
We have first-hand experience of forced marriage – many of us are survivors ourselves. We can connect you to services that can help you with finding somewhere to live while you clear your head and think about what you want to do next.
This does not mean cutting off your family forever. All we do is help to remove you from immediate danger and give you time, in a safe environment, to think through your options. We will support you, emotionally, to arrive at your own decision.
We never pressurise you to do anything you don’t want to do.
And we never, ever tell anyone that you’ve called us.
We can also help in cases of suspected forced marriage. If you are worried about someone, please give us a call.
You’ve got our number – 0800 5999 247.