Beliefs and values held by some people. Forced Marriages Consequences for individuals. Effect on individuals. Consider whether attitudes need to change. Values focus – individual liberty.

Using Speak for my Team, prepare answers to the following questions: 1. How would you feel if you were not allowed to do things you enjoyed doing? 2. What would it be like to start a new life somewhere else all by yourself with a new family? 3. How would you mange to communicate if you didn’t know the language or the area? 4. How would you feel if you decided not to go, and your entire family disowned you? Where would you go?

“Forced marriages only happen in Asian families” “Forced marriages and arranged marriages are the same” “Forced marriages don’t happen in the UK” “There’s no law against forced marriage” “The parents know what they’re doing is wrong” “It’s best not talk about it in case I offend someone”

Forced marriages only happen in Asian families Forced marriage is not restricted to the south Asian community. There have been cases involving families from the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Forced marriages and arranged marriages are the same There is a strict distinction between forced and arranged marriage. Forced marriage is carried out without the consent of the child and often involves pressure or coercion. Forced marriage is not sanctioned within any culture or religion.

Forced marriages don’t happen in the UK Some forced marriages are carried out in the UK.

There’s no law against forced marriage It is illegal to force someone into marriage. The penalty is prosecution and up to two years in jail. Real News Story The girl was 12 when she was ‘married to her 16-year-old cousin. Her ‘husband’ then raped her, with the approval of her father, his brother and sister-in-law. It happened last year, in London. Last week in north London, a court convicted the now 17-year-old boy of rape and the Albanian girl's father, uncle and aunt of causing or inciting underage sexual activity. The court heard that the schoolgirl's father, aged 29, had staged the illegal marriage ceremony in front of his older brother, 54, and sister-in-law, 54. Police were called in after the girl's mother found out what her husband and his family had done to her child. Judges have issued 86 forced marriage protection orders in the past year to prevent illegal marriages such as the one suffered by the girl, and helped annul marriages when the ceremony had already taken place.

The parents know what they’re doing is wrong Some of the key motives for forced marriage that have been identified are: The concept of ‘Izzat’ or honour, drives some parents who see nothing wrong with their behaviour. The motivation and wish to build stronger families and to preserve cultural or religious traditions can override the wishes of the child. Controlling unwanted behaviour and sexuality (including perceived promiscuity, or being gay, bisexual or transgender) - particularly the behaviour and sexuality of women. Peer group or family pressure. Attempting to strengthen family links. Ensuring land remains within the family. Protecting perceived cultural ideals which can often be misguided or out of date. Protecting perceived religious ideals which are misguided. Preventing ‘unsuitable’ relationships outside the family’s ethnic, cultural, religious or caste group. Assisting claims for residency and citizenship. Long-standing family commitments.

It’s best not talk about it in case I offend someone Forced marriage should not be treated with caution for fear of offending cultural sensitivities. It can involve child abuse, abduction, violence, rape, unwanted pregnancy and enforced abortion. Refusing to marry can place a young person at risk of murder, sometimes also known as ‘honour killing’.