Many women forced into a marriage can suffer for many years from domestic violence. Those who have escaped a forced marriage often live in fear of their own families who will go to great lengths to locate them and ensure their return.

The difference between arranged and forced marriage:

In arranged marriages the families of both spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage, but the choice whether to accept the arrangement remains with the individuals.

In forced marriage at least one party does not consent to the marriage and some element of duress is involved.

Forced marriage is primarily an issue of violence against women. Most cases involve young women and girls aged between 13 and 30 years, although there is evidence to suggest that as many as 15 per cent of victims are male.

The majority of cases of forced marriage encountered in the UK involve South Asian families. However, despite appearances, this is not solely an “Asian” problem. Most incidents of forced marriage in Hertfordshire have involved Bangladeshi and Pakistani women around the age of 16 years.

The issue of forced marriage should not be used to stigmatise any community. Some forced marriages take place in the UK with no oversees element while others involve a partner coming from overseas or a British Citizen being sent abroad.

If you would like to speak confidentially about ...

• any concerns you have
• obtaining more information
• finding out who else may be able to help you

You can contact a specialist Hate Crime Officer or a Domestic Violence Officer

Any information you give us will be treated confidentially.
If you do not want to go through with a forced marriage we will do everything we can to help you

Contact a Hate Crime Officer or Domestic Violence Officer in your area.

You can also contact:
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 020 7008 1500

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