It is a crime to force a person into marriage in the UK. Legislation passed in the last decade in all UK regions identifies a forced marriage as one entered into without the full and free consent of one or both individuals.

It is also recognised in the UK as a form of domestic and child abuse and an abuse of human rights

Violence and coercion can be used to force a marriage to take place and threats can be physical, emotional, psychological and/or economic.

A failure to give full and free consent can refer to a person who does not consent and to a person who cannot consent, in the case of someone with severe learning difficulties for example.

Perpetrators can use perceived cultural practices as a means of coercion.

Signs to be aware of:

Disclosure or concerns about issues concerning forced marriage must be reported to the DSL as soon as possible, using the accepted processes.