What is the difference between a forced marriage and an arranged marriage?

An arranged marriage is one where families introduce potential partners but both parties freely consent to the marriage. A forced marriage is one where one or both parties do not or cannot freely consent. The key distinction is consent. Forced marriage is illegal in England and Wales; arranged marriage, where consent is freely given, is not.

Can boys and men be victims of forced marriage?

Yes. While forced marriage and HBA disproportionately affect women and girls, boys and men can also be victims. LGBTQ+ individuals are at particular risk. The Forced Marriage Unit and Karma Nirvana support all genders.

How do I report this in the UK?

If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101. The NSPCC helpline (0808 800 5000) and Childline (0800 1111) are free and confidential. For a UK reporting decision tree, see /reporting and /tools/reporting-route-finder.

Immediate

Forced Marriage & Honour-Based Abuse

Understanding forced marriage and honour-based abuse, recognising the warning signs, and knowing how to access specialist support.

Overview

Forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both parties do not or cannot give their full and free consent. It is illegal in England and Wales under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Honour-based abuse (HBA) refers to violence, abuse, or other harm committed by family or community members to protect or defend the perceived honour of the family. Both forced marriage and HBA disproportionately affect women and girls but can affect boys and men too, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals.

How it works

Forced marriage and HBA are often carried out with the support or knowledge of multiple family members and may involve significant community pressure. Young people may be taken abroad for a forced marriage or may face abuse, threats, or violence if they resist. Honour-based abuse can include physical violence, emotional abuse, controlling behaviour, forced marriage, and in extreme cases murder. The Forced Marriage Unit provides specialist support and can intervene to prevent forced marriages.

Warning signs in your child

Sudden announcement of an engagement, marriage or a planned long trip abroad — particularly during school holidays — that the young person seems reluctant to discuss.
Increased family monitoring of the young person's phone, social media and movements; loss of independence; not being allowed out alone.
Visible distress, withdrawal from friends, frequent absence from school, talk of being watched or punished, or anxious references to bringing 'shame' on the family.
Persistent reference to a relative overseas who has been chosen for them, or pressure to drop a current partner — especially if that partner is LGBTQ+ or from a different faith or background.

Warning signs on the device

Sudden deletion of messages from friends or chats about a current partner.
Messages or calls from older relatives or community members pressuring them about marriage, modesty or family honour.
Searches for runaway help, women's refuges, Karma Nirvana, or one-way travel to or from a specific country.

Prevention steps

1. Know the Forced Marriage Unit helpline

The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) helpline on 020 7008 0151 provides specialist advice for professionals and individuals affected by forced marriage. The FMU can provide guidance on whether to make a referral and what steps to take to protect a young person at risk.

2. Contact Karma Nirvana for advice

Karma Nirvana's helpline on 0800 5999 247 provides confidential support for victims and professionals dealing with forced marriage and honour-based abuse. It is free to call and staffed by specialists.

3. Never attempt to mediate with the family

Unlike some safeguarding concerns, forced marriage and HBA cases must never involve family mediation or bringing the young person and their family together to resolve the issue. This approach is dangerous and could put the young person at serious risk of harm.

What to do if it happens

1.If a young person discloses forced marriage or HBA, speak to them privately, without any family members present. Assure them of confidentiality and that you will do everything you can to keep them safe.
2.Contact the Forced Marriage Unit on 020 7008 0151 or Karma Nirvana on 0800 5999 247 immediately for specialist advice. Your DSL should also be informed and children's social care and the police should be contacted.
3.Do not contact the young person's family or attempt to broker a resolution. Document the disclosure carefully and follow your organisation's safeguarding procedure.

External resources

Forced Marriage Unit — 020 7008 0151— Forced Marriage Unit
Karma Nirvana — 0800 5999 247— Karma Nirvana

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources

Safety Topic

FGM

Audience

Guidance for Teachers

Last reviewed: 2026-04-10