Forced Marriage

What is Forced Marriage

Forced Marriage occurs when at least one of the married couples are forced or coerced into the marriage. Forced marriages can often be arranged by the parents and the reasons for this differ from ensuring the child marries within their culture, caste and religion to long standing family commitments.

How common is Forced Marriage

Reporting Forced Marriage

Citizens advice recommend the following steps.
1. Find somewhere safe to stay (relative, friends, refuge emergency
or rented accommodation)
2. It recommends that women in Wales looking for a refuge ring Live Fear Free on 0808 8010 800, for England they should ring the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
3. For men requiring a refuge in England they should ring Mens Advice Line on
0808 8010327, for men in Wales it’s the same number as above 0808 8010 800.

The MET police state that you should use the emergency number
999 if your life is in danger, otherwise call 101.
Otherwise, if you need help or advice use our signposting database to
locate the support you require.

 

If you are a victim or know of anyone who is a victim of forced marriage, you can contact FMU on 0207 008 0151.

It is also recommended that if you may also contact the police on 999 (in an emergency), otherwise 101.

 

Forced Marriage in regards to race

There are no statistics that specifically highlight the numbers of
domestic abuse associated with the BAME communities.
Due to the disproportionate incarceration of black men and women
in the UK, there is little faith in the police, which means that people
of colour are less likely report their abuse.
There is also, in many communities also a language barrier to
reporting domestic abuse.

In the UK, Forced Marriages are prevelant in the Muslim community, but can also be found within the Romanian community.