Forced marriage consultation

This consultation is now closed.

A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not (or, in the case of some vulnerable adults, cannot) consent to the marriage, but are coerced into it. The coercion can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure.

We are seeking views on whether making forcing someone to marry should be a criminal offence or whether current arrangements provide adequate protection. We are also interested in views on what more could be done to prevent forced marriage from happening. There are clear arguments both for and against making forced marriage a criminal offence. These arguments are presented in the consultation document.

We are also interested to hear views on how we might implement the criminalisation of breaches of the civil Forced Marriage Protection Orders.

How to respond

Please send us your comments by using our online form.

The consultation closes on 30 March 2012.

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Consultation information

  • Intended audience:
    • key partners
    • directly affected parties including victims of forced marriage
    • the police
    • local authorities
    • legal practitioners
    • third-sector agencies
    • other government departments
    • all organisations with a direct interest in tackling forced marriage
    • members of the public
  • Reference number: Forced marriage
  • Issued: 12 Dec 2011
  • Opening date: 12 Dec 2011
  • Closing date: 30 Mar 2012

How to respond

Respond online

Please send us your comments by using our online form.

Please send your response to...

N/A

Violent and youth crime prevention unit, Home Office
2 Marsham Street
London
SW1P 4DF

Tel: N/A

Fax: N/A

Email: forcedmarriageconsultation@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk

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