A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage but are coerced into it. Duress can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure. In the cases of some adults at risk who lack the capacity to consent, coercion is not required for a marriage to be forced. Forced marriage is not a religious or cultural issue - it is abuse of human rights under the Forced Marriage Act of 2007.
There is a difference 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 of whether or not to accept the arrangement still remains with the prospective spouses.
Local guidance can be accessed here: South West Child Protection Procedures. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides further information and resources for professionals protecting, advising and supporting (possible) victims of Forced Marriage.
Honour based violence is a collection of practices, which are used to control behaviour within families or other social groups to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour. Such violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by breaking their honour code.
It can be distinguished from other forms of violence, as it is as it is often committed with some degree of approval and/or collusion from family and/or community members. Women, men and younger members of the family can all be involved in the abuse.
Honour based violence manifests itself in a diverse range of ways with children and young people, including forced marriage, domestic and/or sexual violence, rape, physical assaults, harassment, kidnap, threats of violence (including murder), or witnessing violence directed towards a sibling or indeed another family member and female genital mutilation.
A protocol on the handling of ‘so-called’ Honour Based Violence and Forced Marriage Offences is available for further advice. This protocol has been agreed between the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
See below a list of services who offer support on these issues:
The Next Link Plus service offers specialist domestic abuse support for women, men and children and young people from all communities (including LGBTQ+ and black and minority ethnic). They will support with any additional needs (for example substance misuse, mental health, hearing difficulties, learning disabilities, etc.). They also support for those affected by so-called honour-based violence or forced marriage.
Call 0117 925 0680, text 07407 895620, email enquiries@nextlinkhousing.co.uk or online chat via the Next Link website. Check the Next Link website for current opening hours.
Based in Bristol, they provide training and support to a range of professionals, communities, schools, universities, professional bodies and any other relevant group on the issues of forced marriage and honour-based violence.
A National Charity that supports both men and women who are victims of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse. It runs a national helpline offering direct support and guidance to victims. UK Helpline: 0800 5999 247
The Foreign & Commonwealth Office provides information about forced marriage and can intervene to make you safe. If you or someone you know is being forced to marry in the UK or abroad, contact the Forced Marriage Unit on 0207 0080151.
Supporting victims of honour based violence, forced marriage and FGM. You can call them on 01642 683 045 or email info@haloproject.org.uk.
Supporting victims of honour based violence, forced marriage and FGM. You can call them on 07480 621711 or email contact@truehonour.org.uk.