Forced Marriage & Honour-Based Abuse
Understanding forced marriage and honour-based abuse, recognising the warning signs, and knowing how to access specialist support.
What is this?
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's behaviour
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Prevention steps
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.
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.
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
- 1If 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.
- 2Contact 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.
- 3Do not contact the young person's family or attempt to broker a resolution. Document the disclosure carefully and follow your organisation's safeguarding procedure.
Related topics
This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-10