If you need legal advice about a forced marriage in Bradford or Keighley then speak to one of our specialists at Williscroft who can provide expert legal advice and help with your case.
A marriage which takes place without the full and free consent of both parties. Force includes pressure by threats or other psychological or emotional pressure. It is different from arranged marriage where couples have free will and choice to marry whom they wish and where families take the lead in organising and arranging the details of the marriage ceremony and celebrations. If you are a victim then our Forced Marriage Lawyers at Williscroft can help you.
Parents often justify their actions by suggesting that by forcing the person to marry they are:
But, every major faith condemns forced marriages including Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh.
Often the marriage is forced due to significant pressure from extended family.
It is an offence to force someone to marry. The police usually take on a safeguarding role when dealing with complaints and will listen to how the victim wishes the matter to be dealt with.
Someone who is being forced into marriage is often:
Withdrawn from education
Depression and self harm
Often are virtually imprisoned
There are excessive restriction and control at home
Lack of support by family re education
Advice from the Forced Marriage Unit is that you should never view it as a generational or culture clash that can be solved by mediation. This could be extremely dangerous to the victim.
The Act gives certain courts the power to make a Forced Marriage Protection Order.
This order can contain legally binding conditions and directions that change the behavior of people who are trying to force someone into a marriage.
Emergency Orders can be obtained to put protection in place immediately for victims.
If the order is broken then the perpetrator will be committing a criminal offence and the matter should be reported to the police.
Adults or Children can apply (children will need a legal representative or permission of the court).
The court may be able to offer:
To speak to one of our Forced Marriage Lawyers, call Williscroft today, on 01274 305380 to speak to one of our Bradford Solicitors, 01535 600973 to speak to one of our Keighley Solicitors, or email us.