- Where does forced marriage happen Dr James Cockayne, the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner tells LSJ, “In Australia, forced marriage is categorised under the umbrella of offences recognised as modern slavery. Individuals at risk of or fleeing forced marriages reside in Understanding forced and child marriage The ability to freely choose who, when, and whether to marry is an essential human right, 1 yet forced marriages still occur in almost every country. While there are countries that specify a minimum age for people to legally marry, often cultural A marriage can also become a forced marriage even if both parties enter with full consent if one or both are later forced to stay in the marriage against their will. Q1. Forced marriage can happen to both women and men, although many of the reported cases involve young women and girls aged between 16 and 25. It doesn’t only happen to young people, it can happen to adults too. International Women's Day 2025 On International Women’s Day as we witness the global rise of WHO DOES FORCED MARRIAGE IMPACT? Forced marriages can happen to people of any gender, age, cultural or ethnic background, religion, or economic status. The Forced Marriage Forced marriage is a significant aspect of this discourse, but what exactly does it entail? Definition: Forced marriage is a marital union where one or both parties do not give full, free, and informed consent. Activists, African first ladies and victims gathered at a This distinction between forced and arranged marriages used to apply to individuals aged 16 to 18, but since 27 February 2023 it no longer does – what previously would have been considered an forced marriage taking place entirely within the UK. ” Jada was 12 when her father took her to live in Saudi Arabia and started talking about marrying her off. This violence may take emotional, mental or physical forms where an individual may be ‘forced’ by: using threats, beating them, isolating them Forced marriages occur when family members or others use physical or emotional abuse, threats, or deception to force a person to marry without their consent. Karma Nirvana – provides support and advice on protecting yourself if you’re experiencing forced marriage or honour-based violence: 0800 599 9247 . A common justification is adherence to custom or tradition, and the desire to preserve these elements through control over whether, when, and whom a person marries. FORCED MARRIAGE IS AGAINST THE LAW IN THE UK, as it is in most jurisdictions and it is also against many international treaties. Footnote 1 In 2022, around 300 people asked the United Kingdom (UK) Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) for advice. 5 Questions. A forced marriage differs from an arranged marriage, in which both parties presumably consent to the assistance of their parents or a third party such as a matchmaker in finding 1. The impact extends beyond the individual to families, communities, and society as This protects people from a forced marriage that would happen inside the UK. Ending the Third Slavery. But rates of forced child marriage are most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa – in countries such as Niger (76%) and Central African Republic (61%), and in South Asia – in countries such as Bangladesh Where does forced child marriage happen? Child brides can be found in every region in the world, from the Middle East to Latin America, South Asia to Europe. In some cultures it's traditional for the parents to choose a husband or wife for their child because they feel they know what is best. Forced marriages happen in many religions and nationalities, and can affect both boys and girls. The issue is severely under-reported and under-funded. 2 This estimate is conservative. Why do forced marriages happen? Forced marriages are still a reality in many parts of the world. There is little information regarding the extent of forced marriage in Australia but government consultations suggest that forced marriage in Australia is underreported. These statistics represent only the cases that have been reported to the FMU. Forced marriage is prohibited by law in France. Forced Marriage. They are most prevalent in parts of South Asia, Africa and the Forced and early marriages are most common in impoverished states in Africa, South Asia, and former Soviet republics. Breaching a forced marriage protection order is also a criminal offence, with a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment; Components of Effective Training Programmes for Forced Marriage Cases . Girls are often forced into sexual relations and often get pregnant when they are not ready. Key points. Download exit quiz. This figure Forced marriages also occur in developed nations, with women and girls being forced to marry foreign men for cultural reasons, or in order to secure another person’s entry into the country. October 21, 2020 Earl Lewis Spotlight. Explore our interactive atlas to understand the scale of the issue and what is being done to It’s a marriage where at least one is married without consent, against their will or is not able to exit the marriage. False. Globally, an estimated 22 million people were living in a forced marriage on any given day in 2021. Sometimes a marriage is seen as necessary to prevent any behavior that might bring shame Updated to add that the Forced Marriage Unit can still be contacted as normal and this has not been affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). It is a global problem. Just over half of the cases are in Pakistani communities. • The offences can apply to different kinds of marriage and marriage like relationships, including registered relationships and those formed by cultural and religious ceremonies. 3 How respondents perceive forced marriage and the distinction they make between a forced and an arranged marriage 7 2. In 2014, Source: Forced Marriage Unit; Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth Office These statistics represent only the cases that have been reported to the FMU. If you’re worried this is going to happen to you, here’s what you can do about it. The image should be read from right to left. Yet forced marriage does occur in New Zealand — and has raised significant enough concerns for Parliament to take notice. What is Forced Marriage? Unlike an arranged marriage involving consenting parties, a forced marriage occurs where a person is coerced to marry under physical, sexual, psychological or financial pressure. For information on your local Women’s Aid group or on refuge accommodation please visit Scottish Women’s Aid. While forced marriage impacts both sexes, the ILO reports that 84 percent of the victims are girls and women. As a result, one in every five girls is married before they turn 18. Forced marriage is a hidden crime, and these figures will not It does happen “here”: forced and child marriage in the United States “I was a kid, I hadn’t grown that much so I was really scared. Exit quiz. Q: Can forced marriages occur in developed Child marriage by abduction or forced union between cousins is a deeply-rooted cultural practice in Ethiopia. Against Forced Marriage – supports and gives advice to those in or at risk of being forced into marriage: 0800 141 2994. Safe Horizon’s Anti-Trafficking Program (ATP) is dedicated to supporting survivors of all forms of human trafficking in New York City. Pakistani, Bangladeshi or Indian), and most these – but not all – are in Muslim families. Some scholars say the term “forced marriage” is wrong because it makes it seem like the marriage is Forced marriages occur across various regions and cultures, often due to intersecting cultural, economic and social factors. Forced marriages occur when one or both parties are married without their consent, violating their human rights and leading to devastating consequences for the victims. However, since coming into effect, there’s been no examination or reporting regarding its impact. The poorest girls and women in the Dominican Republic marry on average four years earlier than the wealthiest, and in the least developed countries in the world, 40 percent of all girls are married before reaching adulthood. 3. The poorest nations in Africa, South Asia, and the former Soviet republics are most likely to practice forced and early marriage. Bangladesh. The UK's Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) received 1063 reports of possible forced marriages between January and August 2009 – an increase of 25% on the same period in 2008. Marriage requires mutual consent between the future spouses. two-thirds of all forced marriages occur in the Asia and the Pacific region, the highest prevalence of forced marriage is in the Arab States. Some parents see forced marriage as a way of protecting their daughters against the risk of romantic relationships, and most importantly against sexual relations outside marriage. Forced marriage is when either or both parties involved are compelled into a union without their full and voluntary consent. January 01, 2014 Photo Gallery. The law also makes it a crime for someone to be forced to be married outside of the UK if either the person forcing someone to get married or the victim lives in England and Wales (s. Over half (53 per cent) were coerced through emotional abuse and threats, including the threat Despite international condemnation, forced marriages still happen in many cultures, particularly in South Asia and Africa. 656. In the UK, the Home Office’s Forced Marriage Unit supported over 1,400 suspected cases of forced child marriage in 2016. Forced marriages can be a result of emotional and financial threats, pressure, or coercion, and usually one or both participants do not have forced marriage 5 2. Forced marriage has severe consequences, leading to emotional trauma, abuse, and isolation. There are child brides in every region of the world. Gender inequality Gender inequality is deeply rooted in many societies. Training about forced marriage and all types of honour-based violence should highlight the need for a multi-agency approach to tackling forced marriage. There are over 650 million women who were married as children that are still alive today. In 2022, the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) gave advice and support in 302 cases related to a possible forced marriage and/or possible female genital mutilation (FGM). But physical abuse may be used to force the victim to agree to the marriage before it takes place, although many victims Clear definition of forced marriage; Distinction between 'arranged' and 'forced' marriage; What to do if you suspect, or feel like you are vulnerable to, forced marriage; Forced marriage can happen to men and women. Kamande participated in a UN Human Rights’ expert workshop on the dire consequences of forced marriage Sometimes called servile marriage, forced marriage also occurs when a wife is forcibly transferred to another in exchange for some type of payment or when a widow is given no choice and inherited by one of her husband’s male relatives. Our new research with 22 stakeholders across Victoria and Australia, ranging from specialist family violence services, multicultural A forced marriage can happen to anyone; of any gender, of any age. 1 Countries in Asia and the Pacific region account for nearly 14. While there are estimates of up to 41,000 cases of modern slavery across the country, just 340 of this caseload was reported to However, Pakistani arranged marriages are sometimes forced marriages that infringe on human rights. Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth) as: (1) A marriage is a forced marriage if one party to the marriage. The motivations behind forced marriage are complex and varied. Its consequences are widespread, spanning local, national and international levels. To control unwanted behaviour and sexuality, and prevent ‘unsuitable’ relationships (such as those with people outside their ethnic, cultural, caste or religious group) By Anita Teekah and William Sheehan December 11, 2019. Earl Lewis convened a meeting on slavery among 40 principle collaborators—scholars, organizations, and instiutions—at The Andrew W. But rates of child marriage are most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa – in recognition of forced marriage in the context of two very different crime types: family violence and human trafficking and slavery offences. Though the practice is illegal in most developed countries, it still occurs in some immigrant communities. Says Vinnay Talwar, head of the Forced Marriage Unit in the Foreign Office. 1 Because marriage is a social act, a family matter 11 What is forced marriage? Forced marriage is where someone is forced to marry against their will. There are some people and communities that think forced marriage is okay. Added a link to the Forced marriage statistics Child marriage statistics Every year there are 12 millions girls who marry before the age of 18 – almost 1 every 2 seconds. These marriages can be caused by domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Victims of forced marriage may be subjected to threats, physical violence or sexual violence, or psychological or emotional pressure, including being made to feel like they’re bringing shame Number of victims of forced marriage worldwide per 1,000 population in 2021, by region and gender [Graph], ILO, & International Organization for Migration, & Walk Free Foundation, September 12 Why do Forced Marriages Happen? The practice of forced marriage occurs as a result of a number of reasons, including poverty. Footnote 2 In addition to criminalising forced marriage Footnote 3 and creating civil legal remedies, Footnote 4 the The Forced Marriage etc. 2 Types of forced marriage 6 2. 2 million of all forced marriages, followed by 3. In Britain, the majority of cases involve those from South Asian communities (i. "Parents may have made a promise when the child was young and they Karma Nirvana: a charity helping victims of honour based violence, forced marriage, and offers advice and support. This means that: A: While forced marriages predominantly affect young girls, boys can also become victims. Why does early marriage happen? Child and forced marriage is a complex issue caused by multiple interconnecting factors within the individual child’s family, community and wider society. This can include, for example, facing physical pressure to marry like threats, physical violence and sexual violence or emotional or psychological pressure, like being made to feel like you are bringing shame on your family. Forced marriage threatens the freedom, safety, and welfare of women and girls, as well as men and boys, worldwide. This is widely considered a harmful practice and a form of violence against women due to the unfair impact it Forced marriage is also a way of controlling women's sexuality. While it is The effects of child, early and forced marriage. But rates of forced child marriage are most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa – in countries such as Niger (76%) and Central African Republic (61%), and in South Asia – in Forced marriage occurs in many communities and societies and religions around the world. 7A of the . Seventy-three per cent of people in a forced marriage were forced to marry by their parents, with a further 16 per cent forced by other relatives. As one of the largest direct service providers to victims of human trafficking on the east coast, we recognize that forced marriage is a form of human trafficking and are working to Introduction. Bangladesh is also one of the arranged marriage countries where forced marriages are a concern. Where does forced child marriage happen? Child brides can be found in every region in the world, from the Middle East to Latin America, South Asia to Europe. Forced marriages happen for lots of different reasons. Once Forced marriage can happen when someone is coerced (through manipulation, control or violence), threatened, tricked or told lies. Correct answer: True. Share with pupils. The situation is frequently exacerbated by conflict, abject poverty and humanitarian disaster, when desperation leads families to use early and/or forced marriage as a survival mechanism. Since 2011 there is legislation to provide protection to people threatened with forced marriage and those already in such marriages. Child, early and forced marriage is a global problem. • This includes marriages that occur in Australia (including where a person was brought to Criticism about the Azeri forced marriage tradition from early 20th-century satirical periodical Molla Nasraddin. Forced marriage, and other forms of modern slavery in the home, can happen to anyone from The present report contains an overview of progress made towards ending child, early and forced marriage worldwide. ; West and Central Africa reports the highest levels of child marriage where 4 in 10 young women have been We wish to remember those who died because they wished to flee a forced marriage; and all victims and survivors of forced marriage. Mellon Why Forced Marriages Happen. 121) or Scotland (s. Despite being outlawed, the practice persists, affecting individuals and communities across the nation. This protects someone The poorest nations in Africa, South Asia, and the former Soviet republics are most likely to practice forced and early marriage. Forced marriages in the UK. True. Often, individuals, especially young girls, are pressured or coerced into marriage by their families or communities. There are several reasons why forced marriages happen. The law can protect you if you are at risk of being forced into marriage. Forced marriage does not just affect individuals. HOPE (4673) The Impact of Forced Marriage. Forced Marriages are a Form of Violence. Above all, they are seeking to avoid pregnancies considered to be illegitimate that could result from Where does child marriage happen? Child brides can be found in every region in the world, from Africa to the Middle East to Latin America, South Asia to Europe. Academia. IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS AT THE RISK OF FORCED MARRIAGE PLEASE CALL 999 OR THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC ABUSE HELPLINE ON 0800 2000 247 IN THE UK, BOTH THE CIVIL & CRIMINAL LAW PROVIDE REMEDIES Mandeep’s sister contacted the Forced Marriage Unit to highlight her concerns about her brother’s situation and his ability to understand what was about to happen to him. . If you or someone you know is being forced into a marriage, help and advice is available. Lack of consent . This survey revealed that 7% of respondents were currently in a forced marriage, 3% had experienced it in the past but were no longer married to that person, and 1% reported being threatened with forced marriage. 4. 24 May 2019. Forced marriage is often linked to honour-based abuse, although this isn't always the Forced marriages can occur for various reasons, including gender inequality, poverty, insecurity, and tradition. The Forced Marriage in Domestic Legislation Database is a publicly available and easily accessible resource aimed at improving legislation addressing forced marriage in every country in the world through evidence-based advocacy. Does forced marriage only happen in South Asian families? Forced marriage is sometimes seen as exclusively an issue for Asian communities. It remains the only state to have done so. It maps all 193 United Nations member states’ domestic legislation against their international treaty obligations Scotland’s Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline. 138 Girls who attempt to leave forced marriages are most often rejected by their families and are often forced Let’s make this clear. Forced marriage is a slavery-like practice, an abuse of human rights and a serious crime. In an arranged marriage the family of both spouses are involved in finding the partners and arranging the marriage. Forced marriages occur when one or both spouses do not or cannot (legally) consent, or have been pressured to “consent”. 2 million in never acceptable. Forced Marriage became a criminal offence in Scotland in 2014, under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. Most arranged marriages in rural Indonesia happen for economic reasons. 5 The FMU received approximately 340 telephone calls per month in 2018. It's different to an arranged marriage where there's a choice and both people agree to it. Invariably, forced marriage is a hidden practice. REMEMBER in an emergency, call 999. This can happen in secret and can also be planned by parents, family or religious leaders. There is no “typical” victim of forced marriage Forced marriage: a form of modern slavery. The Survey: •Over 500 respondent in 47 states participated •Identified as many as 3,000 known or suspected cases of forced marriage in the prior two years Despite international condemnation, forced marriages still happen in many cultures, particularly in South Asia and Africa. Defining forced marriage . However, it is critical to acknowledge that instances Child marriage is a truly global issue that cuts across countries, cultures, religions and ethnicities. Forced marriage is illegal in the UK, and forced marriage is abuse, whether it’s through physical or emotional pressure. It covers the period from June 2018 to May 2020. org and 571-282-6187 • The National Sexual Assault Hotline 800. Why does forced marriage happen? There are many factors that contribute to families forcing their children or family members into marriage. The causes of childhood marriage include: 1. Forced marriage (FM) is where one party, or both, are physically pressured into get married. Forced marriages occur in a number of minority communities within the United Kingdom (UK) and often involve the forced spouse being sent abroad to get married or being forced to marry within the UK. In the next picture: The akhund – cleric says: "Lady, since you Understanding Forced Marriages. • Do forced marriages happen in Australia? YES. 0800 599 9247- Monday to Friday 9am- 5pm. Arranged marriages have existed for hundreds of years in Forced marriage is a form of family violence and a slavery-like practice; it occurs when a person enters into a marriage without freely and fully consenting because of the use of coercion, threat Victoria recognised forced marriage as a form of family violence four years ago. Forced marriage is a hidden crime, and these figures may not reflect the full scale of the abuse. e. ; Worldwide, 1 in 5 girls get married before the age of 18. Facebook- Karma Nirvana. You have the right to choose if or who you marry and when. Forced Marriage Unit Statistics. It is essential to recognize that both genders can be subjected to this form of abuse. Forced marriage Niger has the highest prevalence of child marriage in the world;136137 and also the highest total fertility rate. Just 12% of married girls between the ages of 15 and 19 attend school, compared to the 60% of unwed girls the same age in school, according to Girls Not Brides. The Impact of Empowering Education on Child/Forced Marriage. Some parents justify the marriage as protecting Forced marriages occur due to a range of factors, including: Family ‘honour’ or long-standing family commitments. This could be though physical and sexual violence, blackmail or imprisonment within the home. This is a decrease in the proportion of cases compared with the previous year (7%) but continues to highlight that forced marriages can take place in the UK. Unlike arranged marriages, where Many girls and boys, men and women are forced into a marriage in the UK. 5 Despite this, forced marriage risks are present in all Forced marriage occurs when an individual, regardless of their age, has been forced to marry without consent. 122) or least one of them is a UK national. Young girls forced into marriage is still a reality in many parts of the world, and it doesn't just happen in developing nations. In contrast, survivors of forced marriage, and women’s organizations experienced in **The Hidden Crisis of Coercion and Control: Understanding Forced Marriage in the UK** Forced marriage, an issue often shrouded in secrecy and silence, remains a critical human rights violation in the UK. (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Act 2011 came into force in 2011, to protect people who are at risk of forced marriage or have already been forced into marriage. In 2020, the FMU gave advice or support in 759 cases related to a possible forced marriage (or case of FGM overseas). Forced marriage is the theme for the cartoon with the caption – Free love. Many persons who are forced into a marriage do not know that the law in the UK provides remedies that can An estimated 22 million people were living in forced marriage on any given day in 2021. In 2016, Dr. However, the spouses still have a choice about whether the marriage goes ahead. Forced marriages allow for some alleviation of the pressures associated with poverty particularly for the brides side, as one less person in the family will decrease the resources needed to feed the family 1. I’m being forced to marry, what should I do? Our national project, Speak Now, aims to prevent forced marriage and other forms of modern slavery in the home, through education, awareness-raising and collaboration with service providers, frontline communities and young people from across Australia. Some scholars say the term “forced marriage” is wrong because it makes it seem like the marriage is According to an online survey of 7,791 individuals, it is estimated that 11% of forced marriages occur in the United States alone. Twitter- Karma Nirvana. Forced marriages can affect people of any gender, age, cultural or ethnic background 2 A marriage is a forced marriage if you have not been able to make any of those choices. You are free to marry but also to refuse marriage. Victims may experience mental health issues like depression and anxiety, struggling to rebuild their lives after escaping a forced marriage. Does Forced Marriage Really Happen in the United States? A 2011 national survey showed Forced Marriage is a serious and underreported problem in the United States. Our Approach. The first picture in the right: Should you not want to go voluntarily, I will take you by force. Although this form of marriage is accepted and popular within some cultures, the concept of forced marriage is not favoured in the United Kingdom A forced marriage is a civil, religious or traditional marriage with a person you have not chosen and which is imposed on you without your consent. An estimated 22 million people in the world are living in forced marriages, two-third of whom are women and girls. What to do if you are traveling abroad and are worried about forced marriage • How does marriage typically happen in your family or community and how do you feel about that for yourself? • Does your family want you to get married? How do you feel about that for yourself? • The Forced Marriage Initiative at FMI@tahirih. It also includes promising experiences with programmes aimed at ending those practices and supporting already married girls and women affected by the practices. Scotland’s Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline is available 24/7 offering support and advice to anyone affected by domestic abuse or forced marriage. Some organizations can provide support and help you to escape a forced marriage. Forced marriage is defined in section 270. It also happens when someone is incapable of understanding what a marriage ceremony means, or if they are under the age of 16 when they are married. However, there are still instances of forced and young marriage in wealthier North American and European nations. Children under the age of 16 cannot marry in Australia because they But more information about the nature of forced marriages and a clearer understanding of cultural values has brought the subject under governmental scrutiny, and in November 2008 laws to prevent victim of the forced marriage, and does not have a reasonable excuse. However, most girls forced to marry at a young age live in developing countries: 40 percent of young women (20-24) in developing countries were married before the age of 18 (21 percent globally) Second, current conceptualizations of forced marriage focus on consent at the entry point into marriage. 4 Reasons for forced marriage 11 2. UNICEF estimates Why do they happen? People force others into marriage due to a range of factors such as preserving wealth and family reputation. There is a strong link between poverty and child marriage.