There is a clear distinction between a forced marriage and an arranged marriage.

In arranged marriages, the families of both spouses take a leading role in arranging the marriage but the choice whether or not to accept the arrangement remains with the prospective spouses.

In forced marriage, one or both spouses do not (or, in the case of some adults with disabilities, cannot) consent to the marriage and duress is involved. “Duress” can include physical, psychological, sexual, financial and emotional pressure.

Parents who force their children to marry often justify their behaviour as protecting their children, building stronger families and preserving cultural or religious traditions. They often do not see anything wrong in their actions. Forced marriage cannot be justified on religious grounds; every major faith condemns it and freely given consent to a marriage is a prerequisite of all religions.

Content Listings

Imkaan

Imkaan is a UK-based, Black feminist organisation. We are the only national umbrella women’s organisation dedicated to addressing violence against Black and minoritised women and girls i.e. women and girls which are defined in policy terms as Black and

Loving Me – Domestic Abuse Service

Loving Me is a service which provides one-to-one support and advocacy, for Trans and Non-Binary victims of domestic abuse or sexual violence who are aged 18 and over and live in England. They provide high quality support by trained specialists who unde

COMPASS

Compass is a new Domestic Abuse Helpline to access Community Based Services and Specialist Accommodation in Essex. Online Chat now available! Please click here to find out more. Compass went live on 1st April 2019 and is the new point of access for vic

Sanctuary Schemes

What is a Sanctuary Scheme? The Sanctuary Scheme is a victim-centred service that consists of the installation of security measures, in and around properties to enable households at risk of domestic abuse to live safely in the property if they choose t

Karma Nirvana

Karma Nirvana support victims of forced marriage and honour based abuse. Are you being pressured to get married against your will? Do you fear to bring shame or dishonour on your family? Have you been emotionally or physically abused? Are you confused

Galop

Galop offer emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse, hate crime and sexual violence. They offer a National domestic abuse helpline, 0800 999 5428, or you can email them on help@galop.org.uk.  Check the opening times

Refuge

Supporting those who have experienced violence and abuse is at the core of everything we do. No matter what your experience – domestic violence, sexual violence, ‘honour’ based violence, forced marriage, FGM, human trafficking or modern slavery – we ar

Forced Marriage Unit

For information and guidance for professionals protecting, advising and supporting people affected by Forced Marriage.

Women’s Aid

Our aims are to: Empower women who have been affected by domestic abuse to live independent lives free from fear and abuse Keep the voice of the survivor at the heart of everything we do Meet the needs of  women and children affected by domestic abuse

Safe Steps

Safe Steps is a Southend based charity that aims to support people affected by domestic abuse. We: Work with women, men, children and their families, to protect them from further risk of harm and abuse Support individuals and families to make informed

Changing Pathways

Changing Pathways are offering an online chat on their webpage, please click here to find out more. Changing Pathways is a place-based domestic abuse support charity that has been supporting survivors and their children in South Essex and Thurrock for

Safer Places

We support those who use/ need our services in their journey from risk and crisis to recovery and resilience. We are determined to promote recognition of Domestic Abuse and its impact, for individuals, families and communities. We will respond to Domes

Next Chapter

The Next Chapter are offering online chat on their webpage, please click here to find out more. The Next Chapter supports women, together with their children, who have suffered domestic abuse. We offer crisis accommodation and outreach support to help