Domestic Abuse - Honour Based Violence
What is Honour Based Violence, Forced Marriage and
FGC?
A forced marriage is a marriage without the valid consent of
both parties, where pressure or abuse is involved.
All involved should feel they have a choice and voice. Marriage
must be entered into with the full and free consent of both
parties.
Forced Marriage
Forced marriage is a form of domestic abuse. Both women and men
can be forced to marry and can suffer from honour based violence.
It also cuts across many cultures and communities.
Pressure put on people to enter into marriage against their will
may include physical and emotional abuse. Those involved may be
made to feel that if they don't marry they will bring shame on
their family.
Arranged marriages are not the same as forced marriages.
Relatives of both parties have an important role in choosing the
marriage partner but the choice to marry or not is up to both
parties.
The most important thing
you can do is tell someone you trust. Never be afraid to ask for
help, even if you have previously asked but at that time you didn't
feel it was the right time.
Support is available when you are ready
What to
do
If you or someone you know is being forced to marry you can
contact the Forced Marriage Unit ( FMU).
If you feel you maybe forced into marriage during a trip abroad
contact the Forced Marriage Unit before you go.
If a relative or friend has not returned home from a trip abroad
and you feel they maybe have been forced to marry again you can
contact the Forced Marriage Unit.
It maybe helpful to the FMU if you can give them details such as
where the person has gone, when they where due back and when you
last heard from them.
The FMU can provide confidential information and advice to those
involved. They work with agencies based in the UK and abroad to
prevent forced marriages taking place.
Support and advice to those already in forced marriages is
provided.
Anybody in the UK regardless of nationality will be offered
advice and support.
In an emergency call 999!
FMU contact
details
Tel 9am-5pm Monday-Friday 020 7008 0151
Tel Global Response Centre ( out of hours) 020 7008
1500
E-mail [email protected]
Website GOV.UK -Forced Marriage
Support available