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.
The law in the UK does not recognise as valid:
(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.
- 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
When a woman is forced into a marriage she can end up being
- used as a domestic drudge
- and even killed