works in collaboration with a number of other government departments and key agencies nationally. The FMU produced multi agency guidance in 2009: http://www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/3849543/forced-marriage-guidelines09.pdf. The practice guidelines supplement the statutory guidance outlined below. It provides advice and support to frontline staff who have responsibilities to safeguard children and protect adults from the abuses associated with forced marriage. The guidelines recognise that more than one agency will be required to meet the needs of someone affected by forced marriage. It sets out a multi-agency approach and encourages agencies to work together to protect victims. The practice guidelines were developed alongside statutory guidance, “The Right to Choose”: http://www.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/3849543/forced-marriage-right-to-choose The guidance sets out the responsibilities of agencies involved in handling cases of forced marriage. It covers staff training, developing inter-agency policies and procedures, raising awareness and developing prevention programmes through outreach work. The Forced Marriage Unit can be contacted on 0207 7008 0151
There are criminal sanctions and civil remedies in relation to forced marriage. It is important to be guided by victims as to which route they wish to take. This is not an exhaustive list. In the case of safeguarding concerns any action taken should be supported by multi agency support through relevant policies
Currently there is no specific offence of “forcing someone to marry” but criminal offences may be committed, these could include threatening behaviour, harassment, assault, threats to kill, false imprisonment, sexual violence and murder. As stated previously there is currently no specific offence associated with forced marriage however forcing someone to marry will become a criminal offence in England and Wales in summer 2014. The new law will criminalise forced marriage and a breach of a Forced Marriage Protection Order it will also be accompanied by a range of measures to increase protection and support for victims and a continuing focus on prevention.
Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act (2004) introduced the specific offence of causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult. There have been a number of prosecutions related to forced marriage.
Protection from Harassment Act (PHA) (1997) makes harassment and putting people in fear of violence an offence. The PHA covers both criminal and civil offences.
Matrimonial Causes Act (1973) legislates for a marriage not being valid if the parties have not freely consented to the marriage taking place or were under duress