Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse – advice for families & the community
Forced Marriage
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. It is recognised in the UK as a form of violence against women and men, domestic/child abuse and a serious abuse of human rights.
The pressure put on people to marry against their will can be physical (including threats, actual physical violence and sexual violence) or emotional and psychological (for example, if you are made to feel like you’re bringing shame on your family). Financial abuse (taking your wages or not giving you any money) can also be a factor.
A forced marriage should not be confused with an arranged marriage. Arranged marriages often work very well. Forced marriages are where one or both people are ‘forced’ into a marriage that their families want, without the valid consent of both people, where physical pressure or emotional abuse is used. Victims are sometimes persuaded to return to their country of origin under false pretences.
Forced Marriage Protection Orders have been introduced to protect victims from being forced into marriage. An order can also be made to protect someone who has already been forced into marriage, to help remove them from the situation – find out more from the Forced Marriage Unit website at www.gov.uk/forced-marriage-unit
Those who fail to obey an order may be found in contempt of court and sent to prison for up to two years.
Honour Based Abuse
Honour Based Abuse is an international term used by many cultures to justify abuse and violence. It is a crime or incident committed in order to protect or defend the family or community ‘honour’ (izzat).
Honour based abuse may often be linked to forced marriages, although this is not always the case. Honour crimes and forced marriages are already covered by the law, and can involve a range of criminal offences.
Honour based abuse is a collection of practices used to control behaviour within families in order to protect perceived cultural and religious beliefs and/or honour. Violence can occur when perpetrators perceive that a relative has shamed the family and/or community by breaking their honour code.
Women are predominantly (but not exclusively) the victims, which can be distinguished from other forms of violence, as it is often committed with some degree of approval and/or collusion from family and/or community members.
Males can also be victims, sometimes as a consequence of their involvement in what is deemed to be an inappropriate relationship, if they are gay, or if they are believed to be supporting the victim.
Honour based abuse cuts across all cultures, nationalities, faith groups and communities, usually where a culture is heavily male dominated. Relatives, including females, may conspire, aid, abet or participate in honour based abuse, for what might seem a trivial transgression.
It should be remembered cultural acceptance in some nationalities, does not mean accepting unacceptable practices and traditions.
Where to Find Help
Forced Marriage Unit
For those worried about being forced into marriage or those worried about a friend tele:Â 020 7008 0151Â Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm, or out of hours call 020 70081500.
You can also email the Unit at fmu@fco.gov.uk or go to their website www.gov.uk/forced-marriage-unit for more information.
The Forced Marriage Unit has released a film demonstrating the devastating impact of forced marriage on victims and their families. The film aims to raise public awareness of the issue and warns of the criminal consequences of involvement – view the film at www.gov.uk/forced-marriage-unit
Greater Manchester End the Fear
Anybody who is experiencing domestic or sexual violence can find help, support and advice here. End the Fear also provide support to people who know someone who may be being abused. For further information visit their website www.endthefear.co.uk/forced-marriage
Freedom or Freedom Charity is a UK-based charity formed to give support to victims of forced marriage and violence upon women thought to have brought dishonour on the family. For further information visit their website at www.freedomcharity.org.uk.
Karma Nirvana is a UK registered charity that supports victims and survivors of Forced Marriage and Honour Based Abuse. It aims to raise public awareness on the issues, and provides education through accredited training, including seminars, conferences and workshops. It runs the National Honour Network Helpline where call handlers provide confidential listening support, options and guidance to all professionals, victims and survivors of honour based abuse. Contact the Helpline on 0800 5999247  or visit their website www.karmanirvana.org.uk
MixTogether is a charity that supports mixed couples (mixed race/ religion/ caste) who face opposition from family or community to their relationship. Find out more on their website at www.mixtogether.org
IKWRO the Iranian and Kurdish Women’s Rights Organisation provides advice and support to Middle Eastern women and girls living in the UK who are facing ‘honour’ based violence, domestic abuse, forced marriage or female genital mutilation. Find out more on their website at ikwro.org.uk
National Domestic Violence Helpline (24 hour Freephone)  run in partnership with Women’s Aid and Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.
Helpline: 0808 2000 247 or visit their website at www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk/
Simran’s Link is a community website to share views and link people in the situation of disownment. The specific connection to being disowned relates to the misplaced notions of ‘honour’ and ‘shame’. They view ‘disownment’ in this context as an act of abuse against the human rights of an individual. This website is to support, befriend, and offer a positive community to people affected in this way, find out more on their website at www.simranslink.org/
Asha offers safe temporary accommodation for South Asian women and children fleeing domestic violence, including forced marriage. Asha also shares advice on benefits, housing and legal issues for women and offers training programmes. Read more on their website at www.ashaforcedmarriage.org.uk/
Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK) work to improve the social justice and equality for Muslim women and girls. Find out more on their website www.mwnuk.co.uk/
Reducing the risk has lots of resources, some in languages other than English. Visit their website at www.reducingtherisk.org.uk/
GM Victims’ Services for more information for victims of forced marriage. Find out more on their website at www.gmvictims.org.uk/
GMP how the police can help and reporting forced marriage. Read more on their website at www.gmp.police.uk
The Pankhurst Trust brings together Manchester Women’s Aid and the Pankhurst Centre, who work together to ensure the powerful story of the women who won the vote continues to inspire us all and challenge gender inequality and that those suffering from domestic violence and abuse get the confidential help they need.
Visit their website at www.pankhursttrust.org  to find out more.
