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Forced marriage is where one or both people don’t, or can’t, consent to a marriage, and pressure or abuse is used. This is different from an arranged marriage where both people consent but their families act as matchmakers.

The pressure used can be physical, emotional or financial.

Recognised as a human rights violation, forced marriage is a form of violence against a person of any gender. It is illegal in England and Wales to take someone abroad for a forced marriage.

Often, people who are being forced into marriage find it difficult to discuss what is happening to them due to emotional pressure from the family not to talk. Their behaviour might change and they may appear anxious, depressed, emotionally withdrawn or display behaviour such as self-harming.

Further information is available on the GOV.UK website and the Forced Marriage Unit can be contacted on 020 7008 0151.

Students can also contact us if they or someone they know needs advice or support with the difficult emotions they may be experiencing as a result of the fear of being forced into a marriage, or of already being in a forced marriage. Having the space to talk in a confidential setting can help the person to decide what action they want to take.