Forced Marriage in the UK

FORCED MARRIAGE IS AGAINST THE LAW IN THE UK, as it is in most jurisdictions and it is also against many international treaties.

IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS AT THE RISK OF FORCED MARRIAGE PLEASE CALL 999 OR THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE ON 0800 2000 247



IN THE UK, BOTH THE CIVIL & CRIMINAL LAW PROVIDE REMEDIES AGAINST FORCED MARRIAGE. Read more HERE

What is a forced marriage?

A forced marriage is a marriage where one of the parties to the marriage does not have the capacity (the ability to understand what marriage means) or does not consent (say YES) to a marriage. FOR MORE ABOUT CAPACITY AND CONSENT click here.

  • If a person does not want to get married but is made to do so, by physical or emotional threats, blackmail, or coercion - that marriage is a forced marriage
  • The law in the UK does not recognise as valid:

  • a marriage in which one or both of the parties have been forced into giving consent (saying yes).
  • a marriage where the one or both of the parties do not have the capacity to give consent, which means:

  • (i) that they are below the age of 18
    (ii) in some cases a child above 16 and below the age of 18 can be married off by the consent of a parent or a guardian.
    (iii) do not understand (because of a physical or mental disability) what it means to be married.
    Under section 3 of the Marriage Act 1949, a child aged 16-18 cannot consent to a marriage without the consent of a parent or guardian


    Click here to read The Marriage Act 1949. Currently, the Law Commission is reviewing marriage practices and the laws on marriage.

    Forced marriage:

    • is NOT restricted to any ethnic or religious community.
    • it cuts across social class and caste
    • it is found among the educated and the uneducated
    • it largely a hidden practice

    Forced marriage happens in situations where there is a history of:

    • coercive control
    • domestic abuse
    • gaslighting

    When a woman is forced into a marriage she can end up being

    • raped
    • trafficked
    • used as a domestic drudge
    • and even killed

    CLICK HERE AND HERE TO READ SOME OF THE TESTIMONIES THAT WE HAVE FROM VICTIMS OF CHILD & FORCED MARRIAGES.