What is forced marriage?
A forced marriage is where one or both parties to a marriage do not, or cannot, consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used to force them into it.
The pressure put on people to marry against their will can be physical or emotional and psychological (for example, when someone is told that they will bring shame upon their family if they don’t marry.)
A forced marriage differs from an arranged marriage. With an arranged marriage the parties to the marriage consent to the assistance of their parents or a third party. However, with a forced marriage people are married against their will and without providing valid consent.
Forced marriage is seriously condoned in the UK and it is considered to be a gross abuse of human rights.
Does the law offer protection against forced marriage?
Anyone threatened with forced marriage or forced to marry against their will can apply for a Forced Marriage Protection Order. Third parties, such as relatives, friends, voluntary workers and police officers, can also apply for an order.
What recent developments have there been in this area of law?
New offences in respect of forced marriage take effect from 16th June 2014.
From this date it will be a criminal offence to breach a Forced Marriage Protection Order.
It will also be a criminal offence to use violence, threats or any other form of coercion for the purpose of causing another person to enter into a forced marriage.
There will be a maximum penalty of seven years imprisonment for committing a forced marriage offence and a maximum penalty of five years for breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order.
If you have any questions or concerns about forced marriage then you should contact our friendly and experienced family team on 02920 470909.