The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is dedicated to preventing British Nationals being forced into marriage overseas. If you are worried that you may be forced into marriage, or know someone else who may be, please get in contact with one of our caseworkers as soon as possible. The sooner we know about the case, the more we can do to help. Our number is:
020 7008 0151
We need to talk on the phone in order to work out a specially designed plan to prevent the forced marriage taking place. All information you give us will be treated confidentially.
Our caseworkers deal with hundreds of cases of forced marriage each year and so are fully aware of the cultural, social and emotional issues surrounding this abuse.
Further information on the help available can be found in our leaflet 'What is a forced marriage?'. If you would like a copy, please contact the Forced Marriage Unit on 020 7008 0135.
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What is a forced marriage? (PDF, 147K) |
Regional Services which can offer help and advice:
Aanchal (Newham-based, London) 0845 4512547 (24 hour helpline) Asian languages spoken
Ashiana Project (London) 020 8539 0427
Ashiana (Sheffield) (0114) 255 5740
Hemat Gryffe Women's Aid (Glasgow) 0141 353 0859
Newham Asian Women's Project (NAWP) (London) 0208 472 0528
Roshni (Nottingham Asian Women's Aid) 0115 948 3450 24 hour
Karma Nirvana Asian Men and Women's Project 01332 604098
Women's Domestic Violence Helpline (Greater Manchester) 0161 636 7525 (Mon-Fri 10.00 - 4.00pm) Additional Languages spoken Urdu and Punjabi
The Doli Project (Birmingham) 0845 658 1057
(If you are a regional organisation which helps victims of forced marriage and would like to be listed here, please contact the Forced Marriage Unit).
FAQs
I am frightened that I may be forced into marriage during a family visit overseas. What should I do?
You should think about whether you really want to go.
Once you are abroad:
- You may be isolated
You may face emotional pressure
You may be watched all the time
You may have no money
You may not have your passport or ticket
You may be a long way from a telephone
If you still decide to go you should make sure you leave the following with a trusted friend:
- Full address and telephone number of where you are going to stay abroad
Your passport details
All flight details (there and back)
You should also:
- Keep on you the telephone numbers of the British High Commission/Embassy in the country you are visiting
British Consulate-General, Istanbul
British High Commission, Dhaka
British High Commission, New Delhi
British High Commission, Islamabad
Try to take some money with you Call the Forced Marriage Unit at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before you go.
My sister/cousin/friend has not returned from a family visit overseas. I think she may have been abducted and perhaps forced into marriage. How can you help me?
You should contact the Forced Marriage Unit. It will help if you can give us as many details as you can about exactly where the person has gone, when they were due back and when you last heard from them. We will then contact the relevant High Commission or Embassy on your behalf. They will then try to make contact with the person and see whether they need our help.
I was forced into marriage overseas. Can you refuse to issue my 'spouse' a visa to come here?
We may be able to help but you may need to be prepared to make public the fact that you do not want your 'spouse' to join you in the UK. Please call the Forced Marriage Unit and we will advise you.
As part of the Home Affairs Committee inquiry into Domestic Violence, an online forum has been set up. This forum has been designed to get the views of victims and survivors of domestic violence, forced marriage and honour based violence.
A link to the forum can be found at : http://forums.parliament.uk/dvec
