A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not (or, in the case of some adults with learning or physical disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and duress is involved. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.
There is a clear distinction between a forced marriage and an arranged marriage. In arranged marriages, the families of both spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage but the choice whether or not to accept the arrangement remains with the prospective spouses.
The ‘Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act’ 2014, made it a criminal offence to coerce a person into marriage or to be involved in the deception of entering a person into a marriage in or outside the UK.
Forced Marriage Protection Orders can be sought under section 4A of the Family Law Act 1996 which is tailored to support anyone at risk of being forced into marriage.
All agencies working with children in Essex must follow the SET Child Protection Procedures (Section 39) in the case of any concerns.
The Forced Marriage Unit (established by the UK Government in 2005) is able to offer further information and advice on the tools available to professionals working with families where forced marriage is suspected.
If a member of the public requires any help, support or advice please contact Essex Police on 101 or online. If there is an immediate threat to life, or the immediate threat of being taken abroad, ring the emergency number 999 or the Forced Marriage Unit: (+44) 020 7008 0151.
The following organisations also offer support and advice:
Free e-learning: Awareness of Forced Marriage (The Forced Marriage Unit, Foreign Office)
The right to choose: government guidance on forced marriage - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Home Office Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy 2016-2020
Resources: Publications from the Home Office
FILM - Forced Marriage Unit video showing impact of forced marriage
Forced Marriage Unit Statistics(Published by Home Office and Foreign & Commonwealth Office)