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Forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both individuals are married against their will, often under threats, coercion or violence. Unlike arranged marriages, where families may introduce potential partners but the individuals involved ultimately give or withhold their consent, forced marriages remove this freedom of choice and autonomy. This lack of consent is a defining characteristic of forced marriage and makes it a violation of personal rights and freedom.
Forced marriages occur across various regions and cultures, often due to intersecting cultural, economic and social factors. They are most prevalent in parts of South Asia, Africa and the Middle East and also occur within migrant communities in the UK, the rest of Europe, North America and Australia. Forced marriage is illegal in the UK and is considered to be a form of domestic abuse and a serious abuse of a person’s human rights. However, despite the illegality of forced marriage, the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) received 802 contacts related to potential forced marriage and/or possible female genital mutilation (FGM) in the UK in 2023 alone.
The Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence estimated that 15.4 million people worldwide are in forced marriages, with 88% of the victims being female and 37% of victims being under the age of 18 at the time of the marriage.
Pressuring a person to marry against their will can be physical, such as threats or physical or sexual violence, emotional and psychological, such as telling someone they are bringing shame on their family, or financial, such as taking someone’s wages or not allowing them access to money or financial support.
Forced marriage can happen for many reasons, with common factors including a desire to uphold family honour, secure economic stability or maintain traditional cultural or social alliances. In some cases, forced marriages are used to control a family member’s behaviour or ensure that children adhere to cultural and religious expectations. Forced marriage has significant human rights implications and affects individuals across all genders, though women and girls are disproportionately impacted.
Historical and Cultural Roots
Forced marriages have deep historical and cultural roots, often tied to social norms, economic motivations and the notion of family honour. Although definitions of forced marriage and views on its acceptability have evolved, many communities continue to view marriage not solely as a personal choice but as an alliance with broader familial, economic and cultural implications.
In many cultures, particularly in South Asian, Middle Eastern and African communities, family honour, also known as ‘izzat’ in some South Asian languages, carries immense weight. Historically, family reputation has been closely tied to the behaviour of its family members, especially young women, whose autonomy over personal choices, like marriage, is often restricted to avoid dishonouring the family. Parents or guardians may force a marriage to prevent or respond to situations they perceive as socially threatening, such as romantic relationships outside cultural expectations or opposition to arranged marriages. Family honour is so intertwined with marriage decisions that even in modern contexts, some families may still view forced marriage as a justified measure to safeguard the family’s reputation.
Marriage has long been used to secure economic stability and alliances between families. In many traditional societies, marriage is an economic transaction that not only joins individuals but also cements relationships between families, clans or villages. In low-income communities, a forced marriage may be seen as a way to secure the family’s financial future or reduce economic burdens.
Parents may arrange a marriage to secure a dowry or bride price, which can alleviate economic pressures. Conversely, forced marriages may be used as a strategy to keep wealth or resources within a family by discouraging marriage outside the extended family or clan. This is common in communities where inheritance is passed down through family lines and there is a desire to keep wealth consolidated. For example, cousins may be pressured into a forced marriage as a way of keeping wealth within the family.
In many regions, cultural traditions continue to dictate the expectations surrounding marriage, including the timing, choice of spouse and structure of family life. Traditional practices that discourage romantic courtship or that prioritise arranged marriages can lead to forced marriages when family members override an individual’s lack of consent. This is especially evident in patriarchal societies where women and girls have historically had less autonomy and where marriage is viewed as a mechanism to control and direct their lives. In these settings, individuals, especially women, are often seen as bearers of cultural identity and tradition, with their personal choices being secondary to fulfilling societal or familial roles.
In some cases, forced marriage has been historically used as a means to control the behaviour and social mobility of individuals. By compelling someone to marry within the family or community, families can limit exposure to different ideas or lifestyles that might conflict with their traditions or religious beliefs. Forced marriage, then, becomes a tool to preserve cultural cohesion, restrict individuals from breaking away from expected social roles and maintain specific norms. This social control is particularly prevalent in cases where families fear cultural assimilation or the abandonment of traditional values due to migration or exposure to Western values.
Forced marriage persists in migrant communities around the world, including the UK, where families may feel a stronger drive to preserve cultural or religious practices. Migration can heighten the sense of cultural threat, leading some families to cling to marriage traditions even more strongly. For some migrant parents, forced marriage serves as a means to ensure that children uphold ancestral values and avoid cultural assimilation into what they see as a less restrictive or morally lax society. This desire to protect cultural identity, though well-intentioned, often leads to restrictive practices that infringe on individual freedoms.
The persistence of forced marriage is deeply rooted in cultural values around family honour, economic stability and social cohesion, as well as in historical gender norms that emphasise family authority over individual autonomy. Although international efforts are in place to combat forced marriage, the practice endures in part because it is entwined with these complex cultural and economic factors. Understanding these roots is crucial to developing culturally sensitive strategies to address forced marriage and promote the right to individual choice.
Psychological and Social Implications
Forced marriages have profound and far-reaching effects on both individuals and society. These impacts often manifest as severe psychological trauma, compromised autonomy and disrupted social structures that perpetuate gender inequality. Survivors’ stories and insights from advocacy organisations further highlight the significant human cost of forced marriages and demonstrate the need for urgent and comprehensive action.
Impact on Individuals:
Mental health issues and trauma
Being forced into marriage can lead to significant mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The sense of helplessness and loss of control over your own life can result in feelings of low self-worth, anger and emotional numbness. Forced marriages often involve manipulation, intimidation or even violence and this can leave individuals deeply traumatised. Many survivors report having nightmares, flashbacks and difficulty trusting others, which can persist long after they leave the marriage.
Loss of autonomy and personal agency
Forced marriage represents a profound violation of personal autonomy, as individuals are denied the fundamental right to make decisions about their own lives. This loss of agency often affects self-esteem and self-identity, as the individual feels objectified or powerless. Young people, particularly women and girls, may feel that their thoughts, opinions and desires hold no value within their family or community. This can have a significant impact on their personal development and independence, even after they escape the forced marriage. This lack of control also affects their future choices and opportunities and can limit their education and career options and leave them economically dependent on their family or spouse.
Isolation and social exclusion
Survivors of forced marriage often experience isolation, as they may be cut off from friends, support networks and social activities to keep them compliant. Many are prohibited from pursuing an education, working or interacting freely within the community. This isolation not only deprives them of a support system but can also lead to intense loneliness, further worsening mental health issues and leaving survivors with few pathways to escape or recover.
Societal Consequences
Perpetuation of gender inequality
Forced marriage is heavily gendered and women and girls are disproportionately victims of forced marriage. This practice reflects and reinforces societal norms that prioritise family honour, economic gain and traditional expectations over the personal rights of women and girls. Coercing women into marriage perpetuates a cycle of control and subjugation, where girls are viewed primarily as family assets rather than individuals with rights and aspirations. This perpetuation of gender inequality is both a cause and consequence of forced marriages, as traditional and patriarchal norms continue to restrict the freedoms of women in many communities.
Community divisions and social fragmentation
Forced marriage can create divisions within communities, particularly as awareness of human rights and individual autonomy grows. Younger generations, especially those exposed to other cultures and perspectives, may resist these practices and this can lead to tensions and conflict within families and communities. This division is especially apparent in migrant communities, where children may feel torn between their families’ traditional values and the values of their adopted society. Forced marriage can thus contribute to generational conflicts, social fragmentation and a sense of alienation among those who do not wish to conform to outdated cultural practices.
Strain on social and legal systems
Addressing the consequences of forced marriage requires considerable resources from social services, legal institutions and advocacy groups. These cases often involve complex legal proceedings and prolonged support services, placing a strain on these systems. Support organisations, such as the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) in the UK, invest significant time and resources to provide help, shelter and legal advocacy for survivors. However, limited funding and social stigma can make it challenging to offer comprehensive assistance to all those in need.
Survivors’ stories reveal the profound personal toll of forced marriage and highlight the necessity of support systems. Samira, a young woman in the UK who managed to escape a forced marriage with help from a charity, described feeling “trapped in a cage with no way out”. She explained that her family’s relentless pressure and threats left her feeling “worthless and invisible”. Another survivor recounted the isolation she faced, saying, “They kept me from school, from friends, from everyone who could help me.”
Advocacy organisations also emphasise the devastating impact of forced marriage. Karma Nirvana, which provides support and advocacy for those facing forced marriage and honour-based abuse, shares that survivors often feel a crippling sense of shame and self-doubt. The organisation’s founder, Jasvinder Sanghera, herself a survivor of forced marriage, has said that forced marriage robs a person of their dignity and leaves scars that can take a lifetime to heal.
Hearing the living experiences of survivors reminds us that forced marriage is not a distant issue but a reality that affects countless individuals in tangible, often unseen ways. Many survivors struggle to regain a sense of self-worth and normalcy, even after escaping the marriage. The social, psychological and legal ramifications extend beyond the individuals directly involved and affect their families, communities and society at large. Survivors and advocates alike call for increased awareness, legal protections and resources to prevent forced marriages and support those affected.
Legal Perspectives and Protections
Forced marriage is recognised as a violation of human rights and various international laws and national policies aim to address and prevent it. While international conventions outline the basic rights violated by forced marriage, the effectiveness of national laws in addressing this issue varies significantly by country. Many challenges and enforcement gaps remain and this can make it difficult to protect vulnerable individuals fully and eliminate forced marriage practices.
International human rights frameworks recognise forced marriage as a violation of personal freedom, dignity and autonomy. Several key conventions and declarations highlight the right to freely consent to marriage and emphasise protection from coercion, including:
Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Article 16 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that men and women of ‘full age’ have the right to marry with free and full consent, regardless of race, nationality and religion. They are also entitled to equal rights during the marriage and its dissolution.
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Given that many forced marriages involve minors, the Convention on the Rights of the Child is crucial in protecting children from early and forced marriage. Article 19 calls for protection from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, which applies to situations where children are coerced into marriage.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) aims to eliminate harmful practices, including forced marriage, child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM), by 2030. The SDGs provide a framework for countries to incorporate forced marriage prevention as part of broader gender equality initiatives. SDG5 specifies that meaningful progress is required to end violence against women and harmful practices such as child marriage and to reduce gender inequality.
These international frameworks establish a universal standard against forced marriage and serve as guidelines for national laws, though enforcement is largely left to individual countries.
Different countries have adopted laws and policies to prevent forced marriages and provide support for those affected. However, the approach and rigour of enforcement vary greatly.
The UK has been a leader in combating forced marriage. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 made forced marriage a criminal offence in the UK, including taking someone overseas for a forced marriage, causing someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to marriage or doing anything that could cause a child to marry before they are aged 18. Additionally, The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 further supports this legislation and provides legal recourse for victims. It aims to protect individuals who are at risk of forced marriage and to help those in a forced marriage to escape.
The UK also established the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), a government body that works to prevent forced marriages and support victims domestically and abroad. The FMU collaborates with schools, social services and law enforcement to identify at-risk individuals and intervene when necessary.
Despite legislative progress, enforcing anti-forced marriage laws presents several challenges. These gaps reveal systemic issues that hinder effective protection and support for victims.
Cultural and familial pressure
Many victims face strong family and cultural pressure to comply with forced marriages and this can make it difficult for them to report or resist. In some cases, victims fear retribution or ostracism, which deters them from seeking help, even when legal protection is available.
Difficulty in identifying victims
Forced marriages often occur in private, with families actively hiding these unions from authorities. Victims may be too young, isolated or afraid to seek help. Schools and social services may notice warning signs, but without clear evidence, it can be challenging to intervene. This hidden nature makes forced marriage particularly difficult to detect and address.
Jurisdictional issues in international cases
Forced marriages often involve taking victims abroad, where local laws may not protect against the practice. This is especially difficult for governments when citizens are taken to countries without anti-forced marriage legislation. While organisations like the FMU in the UK attempt to intervene, their ability to help is limited when cases occur outside their jurisdiction.
Inconsistent marriage age laws
In countries with varying legal marriage ages, particularly when exceptions are made with parental consent, forced marriage laws can be circumvented. In the U.S., for example, certain states allow minors to marry under parental consent and this complicates the enforcement of anti-forced marriage protections. These legal loopholes create inconsistencies that undermine efforts to prevent forced marriage.
Lack of resources and support services
Many countries lack adequate support services for victims of forced marriage, such as emergency shelters, mental health care and legal advocacy. Victims often need long-term support to reintegrate and heal but limited funding for social services makes it difficult to provide comprehensive care.
Cultural sensitivity and community resistance
Authorities must approach cases with cultural sensitivity to avoid alienating communities or appearing to target specific ethnic or religious groups. However, this balance can make it challenging for law enforcement and social services to intervene effectively, as they may hesitate to act on cases perceived as culturally sensitive. This can lead to gaps in protection for those who most need it.
While international conventions and national laws provide essential frameworks for protecting individuals from forced marriage, enforcement remains challenging. Factors such as cultural pressures, lack of awareness, jurisdictional issues and resource limitations contribute to enforcement gaps that leave many victims vulnerable. Addressing forced marriage requires not only strong legal frameworks but also comprehensive support systems, education and cross-border collaboration to protect the rights of individuals worldwide.
Efforts and Strategies for Prevention
Preventing forced marriages requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, community engagement, policy reform and the active involvement of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), local communities and international bodies. By addressing the underlying social and cultural factors that perpetuate forced marriage, these initiatives work towards protecting individual rights and promoting lasting social change.
Current Initiatives
The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is a government-led partnership between the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and the Home Office. The unit specialises in protecting and assisting British nationals who face forced marriage both in the UK and abroad. The FMU provides guidance, training and support to law enforcement, educators and social services, as well as outreach and awareness campaigns that educate at-risk communities on legal protections.
Additionally, the Council of Europe, of which the UK is a member, has introduced measures for member countries to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence, including forced marriage. Also known as the Istanbul Convention, this legal framework encourages countries to adopt specific legislation, invest in training and resources for enforcement and provide support services for victims.
Worldwide, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF have jointly launched the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, which addresses forced marriage by working directly with communities, governments and local organisations. The programme aims to improve access to education for girls, support legal reform and facilitate cultural change through community dialogue and public awareness campaigns.
Alongside these international and governmental bodies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play an important role in preventing forced marriage. In the UK, the following charities are instrumental:
Karma Nirvana
Based in the UK, Karma Nirvana is a leading charity supporting victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse. Through a national helpline, the organisation provides crisis support, counselling and guidance on legal rights. It also offers training for schools, law enforcement and healthcare providers to recognise and respond to warning signs. By raising awareness and advocating for survivor-centric policies, Karma Nirvana has become a vital resource for individuals and professionals alike.
Girls Not Brides
This global partnership organisation connects over 1,400 civil society organisations across more than 100 countries, focusing on ending child and forced marriages. Girls Not Brides works with communities and governments to develop policies, educational programmes and legal protections for at-risk girls. In addition to advocacy, the organisation produces research and resources that help inform policy and support culturally sensitive approaches to prevention.
Freedom Charity
Freedom is a UK charity that was instrumental in forced marriage being criminalised under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. They offer information and support for victims, training sessions for schools and professionals and PSHE education plans for schools and colleges.
As well as these charities, many local organisations work within communities to promote dialogue around forced marriage, honour-based violence and other related issues. These programmes encourage open conversations between generations to bridge cultural divides and address misconceptions. By involving respected community members and local leaders, such programmes aim to shift perspectives from within, gradually decreasing support for forced marriage.
Additionally, local initiatives targeting youth play a crucial role in raising awareness. Peer-to-peer education, where young people talk to others their age about personal rights, relationships and consent, helps dispel myths about forced marriage. Youth-focused organisations create safe spaces for young people to discuss their concerns and receive guidance, which is essential for those at risk of forced marriage.
Education and Community Engagement
Education is one of the most effective tools in preventing forced marriage. By ensuring that young people understand their rights and the importance of consent, educational programmes can empower individuals to make informed decisions. Key educational strategies include:
Incorporating consent and rights education in schools
Programmes that teach students about personal autonomy, relationships and legal rights can help them recognise and resist coercion. Schools also serve as safe spaces where educators are trained to spot warning signs and can intervene when students are at risk.
Empowering parents and community leaders
Educational programmes aimed at parents and community leaders can improve understanding of the harm caused by forced marriage. Culturally sensitive programmes that address family honour and the value of consent help communities accept the benefits of voluntary marriage and gender equality.
Changing community attitudes is essential to ending forced marriage, as cultural beliefs about marriage and family honour are often deeply ingrained. Bringing community members together to discuss forced marriage and related issues encourages open dialogue. When respected local leaders, religious figures or elders participate in these discussions, it increases the credibility and impact of anti-forced marriage messages.
In the UK, many instances of forced marriage involve migrant communities. Programmes that connect with these diaspora communities, working with cultural sensitivity and understanding of their traditions, can effectively address forced marriage. Support groups and helplines specifically designed for these communities provide safe avenues for individuals to seek help.
Policy Reform
Robust laws and policies are fundamental in addressing forced marriage. Policy reform helps ensure that legal frameworks protect individual rights and create consequences for those who attempt to coerce individuals into marriage. Important policy strategies include:
Enforcement of marriage laws and age restrictions
Many countries have updated their marriage laws to set strict minimum ages and close loopholes related to parental consent. Consistent enforcement of these laws is crucial to prevent underage and forced marriages.
Improved legal support for victims
Countries including the UK have established mechanisms for legal support through protection orders and special provisions for forced marriage survivors. These protections, along with access to legal aid, are critical for victims seeking to escape forced marriages safely.
International collaboration and jurisdictional protections
Since forced marriage often involves taking victims abroad, cross-border collaboration is essential. Government agencies, such as the UK’s FMU, work with international counterparts to locate and protect citizens facing forced marriage abroad. By improving jurisdictional protections and cooperative frameworks, countries can better prevent forced marriages involving cross-border cases.
Conclusion
Understanding and addressing forced marriage is crucial for upholding individual rights, promoting gender equality and protecting vulnerable individuals from life-altering trauma and exploitation. Forced marriage is not merely a cultural issue, it is a violation of human rights that denies people the fundamental freedom to make choices about their own lives and futures. The psychological impact on victims is profound, with many enduring lasting trauma, loss of autonomy and isolation. On a societal level, forced marriage perpetuates cycles of gender inequality and hinders progress towards inclusive and respectful communities.
While laws, advocacy and support systems have advanced considerably in addressing forced marriage, there is still much work to be done. Organisations such as Karma Nirvana, Girls Not Brides and the Forced Marriage Unit offer crucial resources and support for individuals at risk, providing helplines, legal advocacy, shelter and educational programmes that help survivors rebuild their lives. These organisations not only offer immediate assistance but also work towards wider societal change by raising awareness and pushing for policy reform.
Supporting these organisations through donations, volunteering or raising awareness within your own community can help in the fight against forced marriage. By learning more about the issue and sharing information, we can help dismantle the cultural and social pressures that perpetuate forced marriage and create a safer, more supportive society for those at risk. Ending forced marriage is a collective responsibility and every action, no matter how small, contributes to a world where every individual has the right to choose their own marriage.
