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No. 26: Forced Marriage

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On 16 June 2014 forced marriage became a criminal offence.

In 2021 the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) gave advice or support in around 1,200 cases related to possible/ forced marriage. The most common countries of origin are Pakistan, Bangladesh, Somalia and India. In approximately 3% of cases, the forced marriage takes place within the UK.

  • 35% of cases involved victims below 18 years of age (22% aged 15 or under, 13% 16-17 years).
  • 76% of support cases were British nationals

All major religions (Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, Christian and Jewish) are against forced marriage.

Arranged, forced or grey?

Arranged marriage

A marriage in which families take a leading role, but the parties have the free will and choice to accept or decline the arrangement. Individuals aged 16 or 17 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, can only marry if they obtain their parent’s consent.

Forced marriage

A marriage in which one or both spouses do not (or, in the case of some adults with learning disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.

e.g. “My mum says she’ll kill herself if I don’t get married”.

Grey area

A marriage may begin as arranged but end up forced.

Why do forced marriages happen: Typical motives

  • Parent’s belief that religion or culture is being preserved
  • Pressure from peers or family members
  • Protecting “family honour” or “izzat”
  • Preventing unwanted relationships outside the ethnicity, culture, religion or caste
  • Belief that it will strengthen family links
  • Financial gain (land, property or wealth remains within a family)
  • Control unwanted behaviour or sexuality (e.g. promiscuity, gay, lesbian behaviour, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, wearing make-up and westernised behaviour)
  • Assisting claims for country residence
  • Obtaining a long-term carer for the person with a learning disability
  • Believing the marriage will somehow “cure” the disability

Questions to ask if you suspect a young person may be at risk of a forced marriage

  • On a scale of 1-10, what does honour mean to you/your family/community?
  • On a scale of 1-10. How dishonourable/shameful is you not getting married considered?
  • Are your parents supportive of your aspirations?
  • What are their hopes for you?
  • Do you get to choose what you want to do and when, such as seeing friends?
  • Do you get on with your parents?
  • What age are you expected to leave school?
  • Do your parents have similar aspirations for all your siblings?
  • Apart from school do you get out much?
  • What do you do at weekends?
  • Under what circumstances did your older siblings marry?
  • Who makes all the decisions in your family?
  • What is a safe means of contacting you?

One chance rule

Do:

  • Take them seriously
  • See them immediately and alone
  • Establish their wishes and reassure them
  • Establish means of safe contact
  • Contact the Forced Marriage Unit for advice and support

Do not

  • Send them away/minimise their concerns
  • Approach family or community
  • Share information without consent
  • Attempt to mediate

Useful contacts, support or training

Forced Marriage Unit helpline: 020 7008 0151

Forced Marriage Unit: Guidance, resources (see poster) and support

Multi-agency practice guidance:

Multi-agency statutory guidance for dealing with forced marriage and Multi-agency practice guidelines: Handling cases of forced marriage (accessible version) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Leaflet: What is Forced Marriage?

Karma Nirvana (HBA helpline and website):https://karmanirvana.org.uk/

Free e-learning course for professionals:

https://www.virtual-college.co.uk/resources/free-courses/awareness-of-forced-marriage

Safer Devon Partnership: Preventing Exploitation Toolkit


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