What is Forced Marriage?
It is against the law to force someone to marry in Scotland. A forced marriage happens when one or both parties to the marriage do not give consent to the marriage and are pressured or abused into going ahead. Forced marriage is recognised as a form of domestic abuse, and in some cases, child abuse as recognised in the national strategy, 'Equally Safe.'
A marriage must always be entered into with the free and full consent from both parties. Pressure to force someone into marriage can take many forms, including physical violence, threats, emotional or psychological abuse, such as being made to feel like you are bringing shame on your family for failing to go ahead with the marriage.
The Legal framework
The Forced Marriage (Protection and Jurisdiction) (Scotland) Act 2011 allows individuals forced into a marriage or threatened with forced marriage to apply to the court to obtain a civil order. The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 made it a criminal offence to force an individual into a marriage.
There is a difference between an arranged marriage and forced marriage
It is important to know the difference between an arranged marriage and a forced marriage.
- Arranged marriage: both people have agreed and consented to the marriage and are happy for the ceremony to go ahead.
- Forced marriage: one or both people do not consent or are unable to consent and are pressured or abused into marrying.
How Forced Marriage Can Affect You
People facing forced marriage often feel, frightened or unsafe, unhappy or anxious, worried about the future. When being pressured to marry an individual may experience extreme duress or bullying, often from parents, extended family or community members. This abuse can include:
- Physical harm
- Being kept at home or isolated from friends
- Have no access to money
- Being taken abroad without consent
- In extreme cases, abduction or threats to life
Refusing a marriage proposal may be seen by some as damaging the family’s reputation or betraying family honour (izzat), which can put a person at further risk.
Contact us for help
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or is worried about, a forced marriage, contact Hemat Gryffe Women’s Aid today:
- Phone: 0141 353 0859
- Our team offer confidential advice and support to help you stay safe.
