What is forced marriage?
It is against the law to force someone to marry in Scotland. A forced marriage is where one or both people do not (or in cases of people with learning disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and pressure or abuse is used. Forced marriage is recognised as a form of domestic abuse and in some cases child abuse.
Child marriage is illegal in the UK. The legal age to marry in Scotland is currently 16. Find out more on mygov.scot.
A marriage must be entered into with free and full consent of both parties. Pressures to force people into marriage can include physical violence and threats or emotional and psychological abuse. For example, when someone is made to feel like they are bringing shame on the family.
Individuals who find themselves being forced into marriage in our experience are frightened, unhappy, worried, anxious, and distressed about the future. Those subject to forced marriage may experience extreme pressure and duress to go ahead with the marriage and sometimes this can involve abusive and bullying behaviour on the part of parents and extended family members.
The types of behaviour can be physical (for example, hitting), not being allowed out with friends, not given any money, being kept at home and in some extreme cases abduction and murder. Refusing to go ahead with the marriage is regarded as damaging the family reputation or seen to be betraying family honour or izzat, which may lead to danger.
In some cases, people may be taken abroad without knowing that they are to be married. When they arrive in that country, their passport(s)/travel documents may be taken to try to stop them from returning to the UK.
Forced marriage and arranged marriage
There is a difference between a forced marriage and arranged marriage. An arranged marriage occurs where both the parties have consented and are happy with the ceremony to go ahead.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing or is concerned about a forced marriage, contact us today on 0141 353 0859.
