You Fear You Are Going to Be Forced Into a Marriage
Forced marriage is a serious human rights abuse and a criminal offence in England and Wales. If you fear you are going to be forced into a marriage against your will, there are urgent legal protections available, including a Forced Marriage Protection Order and criminal sanctions against those who attempt to force you.
Quick Answer
Contact the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) immediately on 020 7008 0151. A Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO) can be obtained urgently from the Family Court — even without notice to the perpetrators. Forcing someone into marriage is a criminal offence under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 s.121, carrying up to seven years' imprisonment.
Full Explanation
A forced marriage is one where a person is coerced — by physical violence, threats, emotional or psychological pressure, or deception — into marrying without free and full consent. It is distinct from an arranged marriage, where both parties freely consent. Forced marriage is both a civil and criminal matter in England and Wales.
The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 inserted Part 4A into the Family Law Act 1996, creating the Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO). An FMPO is a flexible injunction that can prohibit a wide range of conduct — for example, preventing a person from being taken abroad, requiring the surrender of passports, or prohibiting contact by named individuals. FMPOs can be obtained on an emergency basis, without notice to the other party (a without-notice application), where there is a risk of harm or flight.
Since the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 s.121, it has been a criminal offence to force someone into marriage. The offence covers acts of violence, threats, deception, and — crucially — conduct designed to cause a person to believe that a refusal to marry will result in harm. The maximum sentence is seven years' imprisonment. Breaching a Forced Marriage Protection Order is also a criminal offence (Family Law Act 1996 s.63CA, as amended).
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is a joint Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and Home Office unit. It operates a 24-hour helpline for those at risk and can assist with: emergency consular assistance if you have been taken abroad; safe accommodation in England and Wales; referrals to specialist support organisations; and assistance applying for an FMPO.
If you are under 18, local authority children's services and the police have statutory duties to protect you. An FMPO can also be applied for by the local authority on your behalf.
Legal Basis
- §Family Law Act 1996 Part 4A — Forced Marriage Protection Orders
- §Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 — inserted Part 4A into Family Law Act 1996
- §Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 s.121 — criminal offence of forced marriage
- §Family Law Act 1996 s.63CA — breach of FMPO is a criminal offence
What To Do
Contact the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU)
Call the FMU helpline on 020 7008 0151 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm; 24-hour emergency line via the same number outside hours). The FMU can provide immediate advice, safe accommodation referrals, and assist with an application for an FMPO. If you are already abroad, contact the nearest British Embassy.
Seek Safe Accommodation If Needed
If it is not safe to remain at home, the FMU can refer you to specialist refuges or safe houses. Do not tell your family where you are going. Take your passport and important documents with you if it is safe to do so. Inform a trusted person outside the family of your location.
Apply for an Emergency Forced Marriage Protection Order
Instruct a solicitor (legal aid is available in FMPO cases) to apply to the Family Court for an FMPO without notice. The court can make an emergency order the same day. The order can prohibit named individuals from taking you abroad, contacting you, or arranging a marriage for you.
Report to the Police If There Is a Risk of Travel or Immediate Harm
Report the matter to the police (dial 999 in an emergency or 101 for non-urgent matters). The police can arrest those who commit a criminal forced marriage offence and can apply for an FMPO in their own right. Where there is a risk of international travel, the police can flag the alert at borders.
Important Deadlines
Important Warnings
Do not tell your family that you have contacted the authorities or applied for an FMPO — this may put you at greater risk.
If you have already been taken abroad, contact the nearest British Embassy immediately. The FMU has specialist overseas support teams.
A forced marriage that has already taken place is void or voidable — you can apply to have it annulled. Speak to a family solicitor as soon as you are safe.