Forced Marriage (FM)
Forced marriage is a serious crime. It is a violation of human rights that can have devastating and long-lasting effects on victims. It takes away an individual's freedom to choose if, when, and who they marry.
Victims may experience physical, psychological, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse. They may also face threats of violence, coercion, and extreme pressure from family or community members. Forced marriage can happen to anyone.
Unlike an arranged marriage, where both parties freely agree, a forced marriage happens without full and free consent. It is never acceptable and is against the law.
What is a forced marriage?
A forced marriage is when one or both people do not agree to the marriage or cannot agree to it. Pressure or abuse is used to make the marriage happen.
Support for victims of forced marriage
The CPS is committed to taking steps to help victims and witnesses through the often-difficult experience of becoming involved in the criminal justice system.
Featured video
Victims of abuse deserve justice. But when the abuse is ‘honour’-based, reporting can feel impossible. In this video, a survivor of forced marriage shares her story, and the CPS, NPCC and Home Office set out the steps we are taking together to improve how these crimes are identified, investigated and prosecuted.
‘I’m not following the tradition of keeping quiet’: A forced marriage survivor speaks out
Where to get help?
British Embassies and High Commissions can only help British nationals or, in certain circumstances, EU or Commonwealth nationals. This means that if a non-British national leaves the UK to be forced into marriage overseas, the British Embassy or High Commission may not be able to assist them. If in doubt, ask the Forced Marriage Unit for advice.
Contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office if you require further details of any other British High Commissions or the Forced Marriage Unit at https://www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage/ Who the Foreign and Commonwealth Office can support abroad
Karma Nirvana
0800 5999 247
https://karmanirvana.org.uk/
The Honour Network helpline provides emotional and practical support and advice for victims and survivors (male and female) of FM and/or HBV and abuse. It provides advice and support to potential victims, victims in crisis and professional agencies.
Men's Advice Line
0808 801 0327
https://www.mensadviceline.org.uk
This service provides a Freephone confidential helpline for all men experiencing domestic violence by a current or ex-partner. This includes all men - in heterosexual or same-sex relationships. The service gives men the chance to talk about what is happening to them and provides them with emotional support and practical advice. The advice line also has information about specialist services that can provide advice on legal, housing, child contact, mental health and other issues.
The Helpline is open Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm.
Southall Black Sisters (SBS)
Helpline 020 8571 0800 (open weekdays 10am - 4pm) or
[email protected]
https://www.southallblacksisters.org.uk
Southall Black Sisters (SBS) is a ‘by and for’ Black, minoritised, and migrant women’s organisation addressing domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls (VAWG). SBS provides community-based services including helpline advice services, advocacy, counselling, and peer support group work. SBS provides holistic support, combining crisis intervention services with long-term advocacy and campaigning. By integrating frontline experiences into policy advocacy, SBS challenges structural inequalities and harmful cultural practices that perpetuate VAWG. SBS’ services meet the complex needs of Black, minoritised, and migrant women, addressing domestic abuse, forced marriage, honour-based abuse, and transnational marriage abandonment, often intertwined with immigration, homelessness, and mental health challenges.
Halo Project
01642 683045
www.haloproject.org.uk
[email protected]
The Halo Project Charity is a national project that will support victims of HBV, FM and FGM by providing appropriate advice and support to victims. We will also work with key partners to provide required interventions and advice necessary for the protection and safety of victims.
Freedom Charity
0845 607 0133
www.freedomcharity.org.uk
Freedom or Freedom Charity is a UK-based charity formed to give support to victims of FM, FGM, radicalisation and violence upon women thought to have brought dishonour on their family. We target schools with presentations and sessions directly with students, whilst also offering training and lesson plans for teachers so that they may also aid in raising awareness. We also have a 24/7 helpline and text-line.
National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) FGM helpline
Telephone: 0808 028 3550
[email protected]
NSPCC website http://www.nspcc.org.uk/
The UK’s leading children's charity, specialising in child protection and dedicated to protecting children today to prevent abuse tomorrow. We’re the only UK children’s charity with statutory powers, which means we can take action to safeguard children at risk of abuse
Child Protection Helpline
Telephone: 0808 800 5000 (advice for adults worried about a child)
Forced Marriage Unit
Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7008 0151
Email, including for outreach work: [email protected]
Facebook: Forced Marriage page
Twitter: @FMUnit
Media enquiries:
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office +44 (0) 20 7008 3100
Home Office +44 (0) 300 123 3535
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) was set up in 2005 to support British nationals being forced into marriage overseas and to assist anyone in the UK, regardless of nationality, faced with the prospect of being forced into a marriage. We can also help anyone who has been forced into a marriage, including those who are now being forced to sponsor a visa for their spouse.
Foundation for Women's Health Research & Development (FORWARD)
Telephone: 020 8960 4000
FORWARD website https://www.forwarduk.org.uk/
We are the African women-led organisation working to end violence against women and girls. From female genital mutilation and child marriage to domestic and sexual violence, we tackle abuse and discrimination – enabling African women and girls to have the dignity, health and equality they deserve.
Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation
IKWRO website http://www.ikwro.org.uk/
There is a critical need for specialist support for Middle Eastern, North African (MENA) and Afghan women and girls living in the UK, who are at risk of “honour” based abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, child marriage, domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls. Our mission is to advance MENA and Afghan women’s and girls’ rights, tackle discrimination and violence against women and girls, and empower women and girls to access their rights and entitlements in the UK. We are not affiliated with any religion or political party. IKWRO upholds confidentiality and never mediates with perpetrators, family or community members.
Childline
Telephone: 0800 1111 (24 hr free helpline for children)
Childline website http://www.childline.org.uk/
Childline is here to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through. You can talk about anything. Whether it’s something big or small, our trained counsellors are here to support you. Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.
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Policy reports
CPS VAWG Strategy 2025-2030
The CPS developed a Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, not only as a result of the importance the Service places on improving prosecutions of these crimes and supporting victims, but also in recognition of the United Nations, Council of Europe and End Violence Against Women Campaign initiatives and as part of the cross-government VAWG strategy.