Both adults freely agree.
Families may introduce or suggest a partner, but each adult remains free to accept or refuse. Consent must be real, continuing and given without pressure.
Clear answers · Safe action
What is forced marriage?
A forced marriage is where one or both people do not or cannot consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used to force it.
In England and Wales, it is also forced marriage to do anything intended to make a person marry before their eighteenth birthday, even when no pressure or abuse is used.
The essential distinction
The difference is choice.
Full and free consent is absent.
Pressure may be physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or financial. A person may also be unable to consent. For a child under 18 in England and Wales, coercion does not need to be proved.
Definition checked against GOV.UK guidance and the Crown Prosecution Service. The criminal law applies across the UK, but Northern Ireland uses separate legislation and procedures can differ by jurisdiction. Always check the official guidance that applies where you are.
The law
Forced marriage is illegal.
It is a form of domestic abuse and a serious abuse of human rights.
- 01
Criminal offence
In England and Wales, forcing someone to marry can result in a sentence of up to seven years in prison. Taking someone overseas for that purpose is also covered.
- 02
Protection orders
A Forced Marriage Protection Order can place legally binding conditions around an individual situation. Breaching one can lead to imprisonment.
- 03
Children and capacity
Causing a child to marry before 18, or causing a person who lacks mental capacity to marry, is an offence even when coercion is not used.
Recognising concern
There may not be one obvious sign.
Changes should be understood in context and handled through safeguarding procedures, not investigated by friends or teachers alone.
Sudden absence, fear about a forthcoming holiday, declining attainment or being withdrawn from education.
Unusual restrictions on movement, communication, friendships, money or access to a phone and passport.
Anxiety, depression, self-harm, isolation, running away or a sudden change in behaviour.
Talk of an unwanted engagement, family pressure, being promised to someone or concern about being taken abroad.
Freedom Charity’s role
From campaigning to the classroom.
Freedom Charity was founded by Aneeta Prem to protect children and young people through education, awareness and specialist signposting. The charity campaigned for forced marriage to become a criminal offence and continues its work through school visits, professional training, books and PSHE resources.
Freedom Charity reports working with more than 140 UK schools and donating over 100,000 copies of But It’s Not Fair and Cut Flowers to schools and safeguarding organisations.
Official specialist support
What does the Forced Marriage Unit do?
The Forced Marriage Unit is a joint Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Home Office unit. It provides free advice to people at risk, those already in a forced marriage and professionals handling concerns. It may also provide consular assistance to British nationals overseas.
- Telephone
- 020 7008 0151
- fmu@fcdo.gov.uk
- Emergency
- Contact local emergency services; in the UK, call 999
Direct answers
Questions people ask
01What is forced marriage?
A forced marriage is one in which one or both people do not or cannot consent and pressure or abuse is used. In England and Wales, doing anything intended to cause a child to marry before turning 18 is also forced marriage, even without pressure or abuse.
02Is an arranged marriage the same as a forced marriage?
No. In an arranged marriage between adults, both people freely choose whether to marry and can say no. In a forced marriage there is no full and free consent, or a person cannot consent.
03Is forced marriage illegal?
Yes. Forced marriage is illegal in the UK. In England and Wales, forcing someone to marry can carry a prison sentence of up to seven years. The precise legislation differs across the four UK nations.
04What should I do if I am worried about someone?
If there is immediate danger, contact local emergency services. In the UK, call 999. Otherwise speak privately to a safeguarding professional or the Forced Marriage Unit. Do not confront relatives, contact the family or attempt mediation.
05What does Freedom Charity do?
Freedom Charity provides education, school visits, training, resources and awareness work about forced marriage and related abuse. Its work includes But It's Not Fair and PSHE Association Quality Mark lesson materials.
Why a novel?
Facts explain the issue. Story makes it memorable.
But It’s Not Fair gives young readers fictional distance. Through Vinny, Abby and Sofia, they can discuss friendship, pressure and seeking help without being asked to disclose personal experiences.