Forced marriage is where one or both people do not consent to the marriage and pressure and abuse is used.

The UK Government regards forced marriage as an abuse of human rights.

The UK Government Forced Marriage Unit tackles this behaviour as it's against the law.

Forced marriage can happen to anyone; any gender, age, disability, ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

Forced marriage is illegal and not the same as arranged marriage.

In arranged marriages, the families of both people take a leading role in arranging the marriage but the people getting married have a choice in accepting the arrangement.

Resources

The Government's website  on Forced Marriage.

• Safeguarding Children Who May be Forced into Marriage - Policy and Procedure

•  Honour Based Abuse, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation Guidance

• Prevention of Forced Marriage During Extended Visits Overseas - Information for Suffolk Schools

• HM Government - Handling Cases of Forced Marriage- Multi-Agency Practice Guidelines

• My Marriage My Choice Toolkit - Exploring Forced Marriage of adults with learning disabilities and developing knowledge, policy and practice to keep people safe.