Forced Marriage
A forced marriage is where one or both people do not (or in cases of people with learning disabilities or reduced capacity, cannot) consent to the marriage as they are pressurised, or abuse is used, to force them to do so. It 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 physical, emotional and psychological.
Forced Marriage Protection Orders
A forced marriage protection order can help if you are:
- being forced into a marriage
- already in a forced marriage
A forced marriage protection order is unique to each case and contains legally binding conditions and directions that change the behaviour of a person or persons trying to force someone into marriage. The aim of the order is to protect the person who has been, or is being, forced into marriage. The court can make an order in an emergency so that protection is in place straightaway.
Who can apply?
- the person who is to be protected by the order
- a relevant 3rd party (usually the police or social care)
- any other person with permission of the court
For further guidance National Guidance: Forced Marriage Protection Orders
If you are concerned that a person is being forced into marriage and the risk is imminent then call the police using 999. In all cases you should complete a DASH risk assessment (see below) and if the person is under 18 then you should make a referral to the Safeguarding Hub.
Children and Young People and Forced Marriage
Since 2023 it is illegal for 16 and 17 year olds to marry or enter a civil partnership. Any child marriage is considered a forced marriage under the law. It is also an offence to engage in any conduct for the purpose of causing a child to marry before their 18th birthday.
If you are concerned that a child is being forced into marriage and the risk is imminent then call the police using 999. In all cases you should you should make a referral to the Safeguarding Hub, and complete a DASH risk assessment (see below). Victims may need help to avoid a threatened forced marriage or help to deal with the consequences of a marriage that has already taken place.
Children who are born into families where marriage was forced are likely to live with domestic abuse.
DASH Risk Assessment, MARAC and Forced Marriage
Forced marriage is a form of domestic abuse. If you are concerned that a person is being forced into marriage and the risk is imminent then call the police using 999. If the person is under 18 then you should make a referral to the Safeguarding Hub.
In addition, please use the Young Person's DASH Risk Assessment when the child at risk is aged 13-18. For over 18s please use the adult DASH.
All adults and children over 16 should be referred to MARAC - Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference - if there is a risk of forced marriage.
DASH and MARAC Information and Forms
Local guidance
SCSP Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedure Manual
National guidance and resources