Forced Marriage

What is forced marriage?

A forced marriage is ‘A marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties where duress is a factor’.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that ‘marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouse’.

Forced marriage facts

• Nobody has the right to force an individual to marry.
• No major world faith condones forced marriage.
• You have the right to choose whom you marry.
• Forced marriage affects both males and females.

If someone is trying to force you to marry or you have been forced into a marriage against your will, they may have broken the law in the UK and in other countries.

Find out more

For further information and advice about Forced Marriages and who to contact for help and support visit the Foreign and Commonwealth Office  website.