Forced marriage - Right to Choose

As the school summer holidays approach, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is working to raise awareness of forced marriage with the launch of its Right to Choose campaign.

Research shows that summer holidays are the peak time for young people to be taken overseas and forced into a marriage against their will so the office has produced a series of hard-hitting films to encourage teenagers to speak out if they think they are at risk.

Alistair Burt, Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister, said:  “Forced marriage should not be tolerated.  Young people have the right to choose whether to marry, who to marry, and when." 

In some cases, young people are taken on what they believe to be a family trip abroad only to find a marriage has been planned. Once abroad, victims find themselves even more isolated and unable to seek help.

The three Right to Choose films aim to raise awareness of the risks and highlight the help available from the Forced Marriage Unit helpline on (+44) 020 7008 1500.

The films stress that while it might be difficult for a young person to admit they are at risk, forced marriage can and does happen.

Alistair Burt, Foreign & Commonwealth Office Minister, said: "Anybody worried that they or a friend are at risk of being forced into marriage abroad should seek advice before it’s too late.  There may be only one chance to save yourself or someone else from a life they did not choose.”

Lynne Featherstone, Home Office Minister, said:  “Forcing someone into marriage is completely unacceptable, that is why the government is making it a crime. 

“Everyone should have the right to make their own choices about their relationships and their future. But making it illegal is not enough on its own, so we are supporting work to protect victims.  The Right to Choose campaign is another vital part of this and will help raise awareness of the damage being forced into marriage can do.”

Amy Cumming, Joint Head of the Forced Marriage Unit, said:  “Every day in the unit we see the devastating impact forced marriage has on individuals. Many of the victims who contact us have experienced horrendous sexual and physical violence. They endure intense pressure in many forms - whether emotional, financial or otherwise. Forced marriage affects many communities and cultures. 

“I’m strongly urging people to back the Right to Choose campaign: don’t leave it too late - call our helpline and get advice.”

The Forced Marriage Unit helpline (+44) (0)20 7008 0151 is totally confidential.  It is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You can also email fmu@fco.gov.uk.  For out of hours emergency advice, call (+44) (0)20 7008 1500 and ask for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office Global Response Centre.