Forced Marriages

What is a 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 pressurized, or abuse is used, to force them to do so. It is recognized 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: for example, threats, physical violence, or sexual violence.
  • Emotional and psychological: for example, making someone feel like they are bringing ‘shame’ on their family.
  • Financial abuse: for example, taking someone’s wages may also be a factor.

For further information and guidance, please visit the Forced Marriage section of the UK Government’s website:

GOV UK Forced Marriage


We have also included useful guides for you to refer to should you or someone you know need assistance:

Support for Forced Marriage & Abuse

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana exists to support, empower, and educate all those impacted by honour-based abuse in the UK. We seek to break the silence on honour-based abuse by empowering those affected to speak out and by shining the spotlight on honour-based abuse to improve national understanding, detection, and practice.

We have included their leaflet for you to refer to and use:

Karma Nirvana Leaflet

How to contact Karma Nirvana

Roshni Birmingham

Roshni Birmingham

Roshni Birmingham supports Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities affected by domestic abuse, including Forced Marriage & Honour Based Abuse. Set up in 1979, Roshni Birmingham is a leading provider supporting BAME communities through their journey to safety, confidence, and independence to live free from violence, abuse, and fear.

  • 24 Hour Multilingual Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 953 9666
  • 24 Hour West Midlands BAME Forced Marriage & Honour Based Abuse Helpline: 0800 953 9777
  • Website: roshnibirmingham.org.uk

Roshni Birmingham

Roshni Birmingham Banner

Break the Silence

Check out more of our Forced Marriages work as part of our Break The Silence campaign:

Break the Silence