Forced marriage — protecting yourself or a loved one

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-31

What a forced marriage is

A forced marriage is one in which one or both parties do not consent, and pressure, threats, violence, or deception are used. It is illegal in England and Wales (breach under the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 and the criminal offence under s.121 Anti- Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014).

This is different from an arranged marriage, where both adults consent to a marriage arranged by family.

If you fear forced marriage

You do not have to attend any ceremony or meeting
Contact the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU): - Phone: 020 7008 0151 (Mon–Fri 9–5) - Out of hours: 020 7008 5000 (FCDO switchboard) - Email: fmu@fcdo.gov.uk
If you or someone you care about is in immediate danger, call 999
Karma Nirvana (survivor-run, non-judgmental): 0800 5999 247

Protecting a loved one abroad

An FMPO can be issued with effect abroad (see our FMPO guides)
Contact the FMU or the British embassy/consulate in the country concerned
Passport Office: ask them to flag/surrender passports to prevent travel
Port alert via the police if you fear removal

Getting the protection order

A Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO) is the family court's tool:

Free to apply
Can be made without notice (urgently) where alerting the family would escalate risk
Can prohibit the marriage, surrender passports, restrict contact, and apply to people abroad

See our FMPO step-by-step guide.

Safety planning

Use a safe device — calls, messages and browsing can be monitored
Don't confront the family directly if it may increase risk
Tell a trusted person outside the family
If you're a family member worried about someone, you can apply for the order putting the court's permission

Support services

Forced Marriage Unit: 020 7008 0151 / fmu@fcdo.gov.uk
Karma Nirvana: 0800 5999 247
Refuge (DA helpline, if abuse is involved): 0808 2000 247
National 24hr honour-based-abuse helplines via these charities

Official links

https://www.gov.uk/stop-forced-marriage
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/forced-marriage-unit-contact-details

This page is general information, not legal advice. If you are in immediate danger call 999. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with the FMU or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.