What is a forced marriage protection order? 

Forced Marriage Protection Orders came into force in this country in 2008. Anyone - including a victim, friend or local authority - can ask the Family Court to implement a Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO).This can stop a person being married against their will and prevent them from being taken abroad.

The FMPOs can also demand that perpetrators stop any intimidation, reveal the victim's location and hand over passports otherwise they could face imprisonment.

It is now a criminal offence to breach a FMPO – with a maximum penalty of 5 years imprisonment.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 came into force on 16th June 2014. It is now illegal to force someone into marriage in the UK.

This includes:

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• Taking someone overseas to force them to marry (whether or not the forced marriage takes place)

• Marrying someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (whether they’re pressured to or not

• The civil remedy of obtaining a Forced Marriage Protection Order through the family courts will continue to exist alongside the new criminal offence, so victims can choose how they wish to be assisted.

Forcing someone to marry carries a prison sentence of up to 7 years.