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 marriages do not always take place abroad; there are examples of young people being forced into marriage in the UK. 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.
It is now illegal for 16 and 17 year olds to marry or enter a civil partnership, even if they have parental consent.
The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022, came into force on 27 February 2023 - (legislation.gov.uk)
The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022, (ccinform.co.uk)
It is now illegal and a criminal offence to exploit vulnerable children by arranging for them to marry, under any circumstances whether or not force is used.
The change was intended to crack down on forced marriages which can cause lasting damage to a child. Those found guilty of arranging child marriages face sentences of up to 7 years in prison.
Forced marriage is a form of domestic abuse. Please consider using the DASH Risk Assessment when the child at risk is aged 13-18. For over 182 please use the adult DASH. 16s and over should be referred to MARAC - Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference if there is a risk of forced marriage.