Honour-based abuse

A forced marriage is where one or both people do not consent to marriage and are pressured or abused into a marriage.

For people with learning disabilities or reduced capacity, they cannot consent.

Forced marriage is recognised in the UK as a form of domestic or child abuse and a serious abuse of human rights.

The pressure put on people to marry against their will may be:

• emotional and psychological, for example making someone feel like they’re bringing 'shame' on their family
• financial, for example taking someone's wages
• physically, for example through threats or physical and sexual violence

Guidance

For national guidance on forced marriage (including how to protect, advise and support victims) visit GOV.UK’s Forced Marriage Guidance.

For guidance for children if they are being forced into marriage visit Childline’s Forced Marriage web pages.

Secure area information

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