Forced Marriages

To force a person to marry against their will can involve a criminal offence. If a person is afraid that she or he may be forced into a marriage in this country or while abroad the police should be contacted. If a person has been forced into a marriage abroad, 4 someone in the United Kingdom who is concerned about what has happened should contact the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to see if the consul in the country concerned can provide any help. An arranged marriage is not unusual in some religious communities and is completely different to a forced marriage. It is not a criminal offence to have an arranged marriage.

Forced Marriage Unit

Tel: 0207 008 0151
Website: www.fco.gov.uk