Help and Support Hub

Forced Marriage

Forced Marriage Support

You have the right to choose who to marry when to marry, or whether to marry.

 

Forced marriage occurs when there is physical pressure to marry (such as intimidation, physical or sexual violence) or emotional and psychological pressure (such as being made to feel humiliated by the family).

What Kiwi do

 

  • We treat all reports of forced marriage very seriously and, when required, consult the police and other organisations. The government operates a specific unit known as the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU), which is made up of caseworkers who have experience with forced marriage and can offer you guidance and assistance as well as explore your choices
  • If you are being forced to marry someone you do not want to marry, you can call our Safeguarding Team or you trainer
  • We will be sympathetic to these concerns because we understand that forced marriage circumstances can be challenging and complex
  • If you are forced into a marriage that you do not want, we will take action and provide support

What you will do

 

  • If I believe I am being forced into a marriage, I will consult with someone
  • If I believe that someone else is being forced to marry someone, I will contact someone who I believe will be help and support
  • I am aware that I can raise my concerns with the Kiwi Safeguarding team or to my trainer

How to get support

If you are worried or have any concerns, please contact our Kiwi Safeguarding team using the numbers below or reach out to us using the contact us button. 

 

Contact us here

Other Useful Resources

Childline

Childline is yours – a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. We’re here for you online, on the phone, anytime.

Because forced marriage is illegal, it can happen in secret and can also be planned by parents, family or religious leaders. It may involve physical abuse, sexual abuse or emotional abuse.

 

Telephone: 08001111

click here for support

Halo Project

The Halo Project was established in 2011 in response to a gap in service provision, for Black and Minoritised women and girls experiencing or at risk of domestic and sexual abuse and  violence.

 

Telephone: 080 81788 424 (Freephone)

click here for support

Samaritans

Samaritans offer a safe place for anyone to call for a chat, at any time about whatever’s getting you down. People don’t need to feel suicidal to call – Samaritans are there to listen.

 

Call: 116 123
Email: jo@samaritans.org

click here for support