Forced Marriage Protection Orders: How to Protect Yourself or Someone Else

Forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both parties has not consented, or has been pressured, coerced, or threatened into the marriage. It is different from an arranged marriage (where both parties freely consent) — the issue is consent.

The Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 defines "force" broadly: coercion by threats or other psychological means, financial pressure, social pressure, religious or community pressure. The person being pressured does not need to be physically restrained; emotional and social manipulation is enough.

Forced marriage is a criminal offence under sections 121 and 122 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Conviction carries up to 7 years' imprisonment. Causing a child to enter forced marriage and forced marriage where one party lacks capacity are particular forms of the offence.

Under section 63C of the Family Law Act 1996 (as inserted by the 2007 Act), an FMPO can be applied for by:

• The person at risk themselves — they can apply directly, or via a litigation friend if they are under 18 or lack capacity.
• A "relevant third party" — designated organisations including police forces and local authorities. They can apply on behalf of the person at risk without that person's consent (though usually with their cooperation).
• Any other person with permission of the court — including charities (Karma Nirvana, Iranian and Kurdish Women's Rights Organisation, Forced Marriage Unit), school staff, friends, or other relatives.

Permission to apply (where the applicant is not the person at risk or a relevant third party) is usually granted at the same hearing as the substantive order. The court considers whether the applicant has sufficient connection and information to bring the application properly.

FMPOs can be obtained urgently. The procedure:

1. Apply to the Family Court using Form FL401A. The application can be made on a "without notice" basis — meaning the respondent is not told before the order is made.
2. The court hears the application same-day or within 24 hours. The applicant or their representative attends; the respondent does not.
3. The order is made if the court is satisfied that the without-notice procedure is justified. Reasons must be recorded.
4. The order is served on the respondent and on any third parties (passport office, police, schools, airlines).
5. A return hearing is listed within 7-14 days at which the respondent can attend, contest, and ask for variation or discharge.

Free legal aid is available for FMPO applications without means-testing. Specialist solicitors (Resolution domestic abuse panel, members of the Forced Marriage Network) can be found through Karma Nirvana (0800 5999 247) or the Forced Marriage Unit.

The court can include any provision necessary to protect the person at risk. Common provisions:

• Prohibition on taking the person abroad (passport seizure to Tipstaff or central court).
• Prohibition on contact between specific individuals and the person at risk.
• Order requiring the surrender of all the person's identity documents.
• Exclusion of named individuals from the person's home, school, or workplace.
• Order requiring police to be notified if specific named individuals attempt to leave the UK.
• Order to deliver up the person at risk if they have been taken to another address.
• Provisions for the person at risk's safety while in the UK (refuge access, school attendance protection).
• International elements — port alerts, Foreign Office notification to relevant embassies if the person is abroad already, contact with the Forced Marriage Unit for repatriation assistance.

The FMPO can be in force indefinitely or for a fixed period. It can be varied or discharged by application at any time.

For someone at immediate risk:

1. If in danger now, call 999. Tell the police it is a forced marriage / honour-based abuse case.
2. Contact the Forced Marriage Unit (020 7008 0151, 24/7) — they provide advice to victims and professionals, run port alerts, and arrange repatriation from abroad.
3. Contact Karma Nirvana (0800 5999 247) — UK's leading honour-based abuse helpline, run by survivors.
4. Contact the police's Specialist Honour-Based Abuse team — most forces have one. They can apply for an FMPO without your knowledge if necessary.
5. If you are abroad already, contact the British Embassy or High Commission. The Forced Marriage Unit can arrange flights home.
6. Get free legal advice — Family Law Panel solicitors, or via the FMU's referral list. Legal aid is non-means-tested for FMPO applications.

Professional duties: schools, social workers, doctors, and police officers must report suspected forced marriage (statutory guidance issued under section 121 of the 2014 Act). Failing to act can itself be misconduct. Use the FMU's helpline and statutory guidance documents.