What is considered a forced marriage in the UK?

A forced marriage occurs when one or both individuals do not consent, and pressure or abuse is used to compel them into the union.

How many forced marriage prosecutions were there in the UK?

Last year, there were 30 prosecutions for forced marriage in the UK, resulting in 16 convictions.

What is the UK government doing about forced marriage?

The UK government is piloting a study to measure the prevalence of forced marriage and implementing measures to tackle honour-based abuse.

Home / Crime and Justice / Abused Bride Escapes UK Forced Marriage

Abused Bride Escapes UK Forced Marriage

3 Dec

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Summary

Woman escaped forced marriage and abuse in the UK.
Forced marriage became illegal in the UK in 2014.
New study aims to measure prevalence of forced marriage.

A survivor named Sara has shared her harrowing experience of forced marriage and subsequent abuse after being brought to the UK. Initially promised a better life, she endured escalating control, servitude, and violence from her husband and in-laws. The situation culminated in a severe physical assault, after which Sara contacted the police, leading to her rescue and placement in a shelter.

Forced marriage, defined as a union where consent is absent and pressure or abuse is used, has been illegal in the UK since 2014, carrying a potential seven-year prison sentence. Despite 30 prosecutions and 16 convictions last year, charities like Karma Nirvana suggest these figures do not reflect the true scale of the issue, receiving significantly more helpline calls.

To address this, the Home Office is piloting a study with universities to measure the prevalence of forced marriage and other honour-based abuses. This initiative aims to provide crucial data for policy changes and resource allocation. Sara, now rebuilding her life in the UK, urges an end to forced marriages, emphasizing the devastation they cause to individuals.