Forced marriage and honour-based violence
What is forced marriage?
A forced marriage is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties where duress is a factor.
There is sometimes confusion between forced and arranged marriages. An arranged marriage involves the full consent of both persons involved, while in a forced marriage one or both persons are subjected to coercion, manipulation, pressure, or threats to fulfill the vows of marriage.
Forced marriage is not a religious or cultural issue—it is a human rights abuse. Forced marriage means being told that you have to get married, even if you don’t want to.
UK legislation has been in place since November 2008 to help protect victims of forced marriage: The Forced Marriage (Civil) Protection Act 2007.
Guidance for social workers, police officers, education, and health professionals can be obtained from the Foreign Commonwealth Office and from the procedures page of this website.
The AVA Project has produced a short film about forced marriage:
What is honour-based violence?
Honour-based violence describes acts such as murder, rape, kidnap, and other behaviors committed in the name of so-called honour (ACPO, 2008). Honour-based murders, also known as 'honour killings,' predominantly target women accused of immoral behavior that breaches family or community honour codes, causing shame.
The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) defines honour-based violence as: "A crime or incident, which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community" (2008).
Professionals should respond to honour-based violence cases similarly to domestic violence and forced marriage, facilitating disclosure, developing individual safety plans, ensuring the child’s safety with confidentiality, and completing individual risk assessments where appropriate.
Children at risk of honour-based violence face significant risks of physical harm (including murder), neglect, and emotional harm through the threat of violence or witnessing violence directed toward family members.
Honour-based violence occurs across all cultures and communities. Cases in the UK have involved families from Turkish, Kurdish, Afghani, South Asian, African, Middle Eastern, South and Eastern European, and Irish communities, among others.
Further information and support
- Karma Nirvana: A UK charity supporting victims of forced marriage and honour-based abuse. They provide education, training, and a confidential helpline: 0800 599 9247.
- Intermix: A charity supporting mixed couples (race/religion/caste) facing opposition from family or community.
- IKWRO: The Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation provides advice and support to Middle Eastern women and girls in the UK facing honour-based violence, domestic abuse, forced marriage, or female genital mutilation.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: A 24-hour Freephone helpline for women experiencing domestic violence, their families, friends, or professionals calling on their behalf. Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or email: helpline@womensaid.org.uk.
- Simran’s Link: A community website supporting individuals disowned due to notions of honour and shame. It offers support, friendship, and a positive community.