Forced Marriage.

 

There is a clear distinction between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage.  An arranged marriage occurs where both parties consent to the arrangement and is usually a contract between two families. The Universal Declaration on Human Rights at Article 16(2) provides ‘Marriage shall be entered into where there is free and full consent of both parties.’   A forced marriage occurs where there is no free and valid consent by one or both parties.

 

Individuals who find themselves in this situation are normally subject to extreme pressure and duress.  This can involve physical, emotional and financial abuse, social pressures, imprisonment in your own home, abduction and in extreme cases may lead to ‘honour killings’.

 

ARE YOU OR IS SOME YOU KNOW BEING FORCED TO MARRY?

 

Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid can provide you with information and counselling and temporary refuge accommodation should you require it if you are fleeing a forced marriage situation.

 

If you or anyone you know have been threatened with the possibility of being taken abroad or if you know of anyone who has been abducted contact the Forced Marriage Unit based at the Home Office in London.   The Forced Marriage Unit helps victims in the UK and abroad. Contact details are as follows:

 

Forced Marriage Unit,

Old Admiralty Building, London,

SW1A 2PA, Telephone: 020 7008 0151,

Email: fmu@fco.gov.uk

Web: www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage

 

You will require to provide them with your passport details and personal details or if this is not possible you or someone on your behalf can contact us.

 

If you are in a marriage caused by force in terms of Scots Law you may be able to have your marriage annulled on the grounds of duress.  We can direct you to obtaining proper legal advice.