Understanding forced marriage and honour-based abuse, recognising the warning signs, and knowing how to access specialist support.
Forced Marriage & HBA is a marriage entered into without the full and free consent of one or both people, linked to so-called honour-based abuse, and a crime in the UK.
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.
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.
In your child's behaviour
On their device
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.
In immediate danger: call 999. For non-emergency police matters, call 101.
Concerned about a child but it's not an emergency? NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000. Childline for young people 0800 1111.
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.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-10