Skip to main content

Forced Marriages

Our Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is dedicated both to preventing British nationals being forced into marriage overseas and to assisting anyone in the UK faced with the prospect of being forced into a marriage. If you are worried that you might be forced into a marriage or are worried about someone else who may be you should contact us on: 020 7008 0151 (or 0044 20 7008 0151 if you are overseas). This helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5 pm, outside of these hours please call 020 7008 1500 (or 0044 20 7008 1500 if you are overseas).

We work with those who have been forced into marriage, those at risk of being forced into marriage, people worried about friends or relatives and professionals working with actual or potential victims of forced marriage.

In a forced marriage you are coerced into marrying someone against your will. You may be physically threatened or emotionally blackmailed to do so. It is an abuse of human rights and cannot be justified on any religious or cultural basis.
It’s not the same as an arranged marriage where you have a choice as to whether to accept the arrangement or not. The tradition of arranged marriages has operated successfully within many communities and countries for a very long time.

Who to contact

Telephone

E-mail
fmu@fco.gov.uk
Website
www.gov.uk/.../forced-marriage

Other Details

Last updated 07/01/2022