A marriage is considered forced when one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage, and when pressure is applied to make them get married. This pressure can be psychological, emotional, physical, sexual, or financial, and it can manifest through threats from family and/or the community. Forced marriage can lead to severe legal consequences.
Examples of situations demonstrating a lack of consent include:
- Being a victim of coercion (e.g., emotional blackmail, social ostracism, economic threats)
- Being a victim of the use of force (e.g., isolation tactics, abductions, physical threats)
Families are not always aware that they are placing excessive pressure on their child to get married. In other words, they do not realize that they are “forcing” their children to marry someone they do not wish to be married to. While the parents and community may have good intentions, a forced marriage often has devastating consequences on all parties involved.
Forced marriages can occur for several reasons:
- strengthens family links
- provides stability and secures future of the child
- protects family honour
- enhances the family’s economic status
- reinforces conservative gender roles
- controls the child’s unwanted behavior and prevents unsuitable relationships
- expedite applications for permanent residence or citizenship
None of these are valid, because there is NO valid reason to force someone to marry!
For a marriage to be valid, both parties must give their consent freely and with full understanding. If it is proven that a marriage was forced, then the marriage is not legally valid. There may even be criminal consequences depending on the methods used to force someone into marriage.
Forced marriage is when one or both persons do not consent to the marriage, and pressure is involved. Pressure can be physical, emotional, financial, or sexual coercion by the family and/or community.
Arranged marriage is when the family finds a potential spouse for their child. Their child still has the choice to refuse to marry at any point.
If you are considering an arranged marriage, ensure that the same fundamental values, aspirations, and expectations are shared with your potential spouse. Marriage is a life-long commitment; make sure that you’re compatible.
The Government of Canada estimates that each year, about 12 million girls under the age of 18 are forced into marriage (2024). It is mainly women over the age of 16 who are married against their will. However, this can happen to anyone who is vulnerable.
Be aware that some forced marriages are arranged when the child is still very young. Therefore, it is possible to be unaware of a marriage that has been planned by the parents for a long time.
For more information on the topic, you can consult http://www.girlsnotbrides.org/girls-voices
Forced marriages can lead to long term abuse such as:
- physical and emotional violence, and marital rape
- decreased levels of education, if your husband or his family prevents you from continuing your studies
- health complications, from excessive stress, emotional trauma, or physical abuse
- life of submission and dependence