Summary
- • In 2020, the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) gave advice or support in 759 cases related to a possible forced marriage
- • The FMU handled cases relating to 60 countries in 2020
- • Pakistan was the country with the highest number of cases (40%) in 2020
- • Bangladesh was the second most common country involved in UK forced marriage cases (9%) in 2020
- • India accounted for 7% of UK forced marriage cases in 2020
- • 19% of cases in 2020 had no overseas element, with the potential or actual forced marriage taking place entirely within the UK
- • 80% of cases in 2020 involved female victims
- • 19% of cases in 2020 involved male victims
- • 1% of cases in 2020 involved victims who were transgender or did not specify their gender
- • 36% of cases in 2020 involved victims aged 18-25
- • 54% of cases in 2020 involved victims aged 25 and over
- • 16% of cases in 2020 involved victims under 16 years of age
- • In 2019, the FMU gave advice or support in 1,355 cases related to a possible forced marriage
- • The FMU handled cases relating to 67 countries in 2019
- • Pakistan was involved in 41% of cases in 2019
Behind closed doors, a stark reality unfolds: the tale of forced marriages in the UK unveils a complex narrative of tradition, power, and coercion. In 2020 alone, the Forced Marriage Unit was called upon in 759 cases, each a testament to lives caught in the web of familial expectations. From the dominance of Pakistan in these heart-wrenching stories to the surprising figures of male victims and the harrowing statistics of young lives altered forever, the numbers paint a vivid picture of a societal ill that refuses to be confined. Join us as we unravel the intricate threads of this dark reality and explore the faces behind the statistics that demand our attention and action.
Annual Cases
- In 2020, the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) gave advice or support in 759 cases related to a possible forced marriage
- In 2019, the FMU gave advice or support in 1,355 cases related to a possible forced marriage
- In 2018, the FMU gave advice or support in 1,764 cases related to a possible forced marriage
- In 2017, the FMU gave advice or support in 1,196 cases related to a possible forced marriage
- In 2016, the FMU gave advice or support in 1,428 cases related to a possible forced marriage
Interpretation
While the numbers may be fluctuating like a rollercoaster at a theme park, the stark reality remains: forced marriage continues to be a pressing issue in the UK. It seems like the FMU is on a turbulent ride every year, with cases soaring one moment and plummeting the next. One might say they are in a perpetual game of forced marriage statistics limbo - how low can the numbers go before we truly address the root causes of this violation of human rights? Let's hope the trend line for 2021 takes a nosedive, not because the issue disappears, but because we have finally mustered the courage to confront it head-on.
Domestic Cases
- 19% of cases in 2020 had no overseas element, with the potential or actual forced marriage taking place entirely within the UK
- 17% of cases in 2019 had no overseas element
- 15% of cases in 2018 had no overseas element
- 12.1% of cases in 2017 had no overseas element
- 11% of cases in 2016 had no overseas element
- 14% of forced marriage cases in 2015 were domestic cases with no overseas element
Interpretation
While some may assume that forced marriages only happen in far-off lands, these statistics show that a significant number of cases occur right in our backyard, within the confines of the UK. Apparently, love isn't always in the air, but coercion and control seem to be making their presence felt quite close to home. It's a startling reminder that we must not turn a blind eye to the realities of forced marriages happening in our own communities, and take necessary actions to protect individuals from such violations of their basic human rights.
Geographic Distribution
- The FMU handled cases relating to 60 countries in 2020
- Pakistan was the country with the highest number of cases (40%) in 2020
- Bangladesh was the second most common country involved in UK forced marriage cases (9%) in 2020
- India accounted for 7% of UK forced marriage cases in 2020
- The FMU handled cases relating to 67 countries in 2019
- Pakistan was involved in 41% of cases in 2019
- Bangladesh was involved in 11% of cases in 2019
- India accounted for 8% of cases in 2019
- The FMU handled cases relating to 74 countries in 2018
- Pakistan was involved in 44% of cases in 2018
- Bangladesh was involved in 10% of cases in 2018
- India accounted for 7% of cases in 2018
- The FMU handled cases relating to 65 countries in 2017
- Pakistan was involved in 36.7% of cases in 2017
- Bangladesh was involved in 10.8% of cases in 2017
- Somalia accounted for 7.6% of cases in 2017
- The FMU handled cases relating to 69 countries in 2016
- Pakistan was involved in 43% of cases in 2016
- Bangladesh was involved in 8% of cases in 2016
- India accounted for 6% of cases in 2016
Interpretation
The UK Forced Marriage Unit seems to have more frequent flier miles than most people, having dealt with cases from an impressive array of countries over the years. While Pakistan continues to top the charts as the leading contributor to forced marriage cases, one can't help but wonder if there's a global competition underway that we're not aware of. With Bangladesh and India consistently securing their spots on the podium, it's clear that this issue transcends borders, cultures, and possibly even common sense. Let's hope that in the race to end forced marriages, these statistics become relics of the past rather than recurring nightmares of the present.
Government Initiatives
- The UK's Forced Marriage Unit was established in 2005
- The FMU operates a public helpline to provide advice and support to victims and professionals
- In 2018, the UK government pledged £500,000 to provide specialist support for forced marriage victims
- The UK government launched a forced marriage awareness campaign called 'Right to Choose' in 2018
Interpretation
The UK government's actions to combat forced marriage may reflect a fundamental truth: love should be a choice, not a coercion. By establishing the Forced Marriage Unit and allocating funds for specialist support, it's clear that they are determined to protect individuals from the shackles of forced unions. The 'Right to Choose' campaign serves as a poignant reminder that in matters of the heart, consent is not just a courtesy but a fundamental right. So let's unite in the fight against this outdated practice and ensure that every individual has the freedom to chart their own course in the maze of love and life.
Legal Framework
- The UK introduced legislation criminalizing forced marriage in 2014
- The maximum penalty for forced marriage in the UK is 7 years imprisonment
- Between 2014 and 2018, only 4 convictions were made under the forced marriage law in England and Wales
- In 2018, the first forced marriage conviction in Scotland was secured
- The UK government issued 1,849 Forced Marriage Protection Orders between 2008 and 2018
- In 2020, 54 Forced Marriage Protection Orders were issued in the UK
Interpretation
The statistics on forced marriage in the UK reveal a bittersweet reality - while the legislation criminalizing this abhorrent practice shows promise, the low number of convictions raises serious questions about its enforcement. Perhaps the legal system needs to revisit its approach to ensure that the severity of the crime is effectively reflected in the outcomes. With the issuance of Forced Marriage Protection Orders steadily increasing, it is evident that the fight against forced marriage is ongoing, and more efforts are required to protect vulnerable individuals and bring perpetrators to justice. After all, when it comes to matters of the heart, consent should always be the key.
Multi-Year Trends
- Between 2014 and 2016, 3,805 cases of forced marriage were reported to UK authorities
- The number of forced marriage cases reported in the UK decreased by 19% from 2015 to 2016
- Between 2009 and 2019, the UK's Forced Marriage Unit provided support to over 10,000 cases
Interpretation
While the overall trend may suggest a decrease in the number of reported forced marriages in the UK, with a 19% drop from 2015 to 2016, the fact remains that each case represents an individual whose autonomy and human rights have been violated. The statistics, with 3,805 cases reported between 2014 and 2016 and over 10,000 cases supported by the Forced Marriage Unit in the past decade, serve as a stark reminder that forced marriage is not just a historical artifact but a distressing reality for many individuals. The numbers may fluctuate, but the urgency to combat this harmful practice and protect those affected remains constant.
Victim Demographics
- 80% of cases in 2020 involved female victims
- 19% of cases in 2020 involved male victims
- 1% of cases in 2020 involved victims who were transgender or did not specify their gender
- 36% of cases in 2020 involved victims aged 18-25
- 54% of cases in 2020 involved victims aged 25 and over
- 16% of cases in 2020 involved victims under 16 years of age
- 80% of cases in 2019 involved female victims
- 20% of cases in 2019 involved male victims
- 35% of cases in 2019 involved victims aged 18-25
- 19% of cases in 2019 involved victims under 16 years of age
- 75% of cases in 2018 involved female victims
- 17% of cases in 2018 involved male victims
- 33% of cases in 2018 involved victims aged 18-25
- 33% of cases in 2018 involved victims under 18 years of age
- 77.8% of cases in 2017 involved female victims
- 21.4% of cases in 2017 involved male victims
- 29.7% of cases in 2017 involved victims aged 18-25
- 13.4% of cases in 2017 involved victims under 16 years of age
- 80% of cases in 2016 involved female victims
- 20% of cases in 2016 involved male victims
- 26% of cases in 2016 involved victims aged 18-25
- 15% of cases in 2016 involved victims under 16 years of age
- In 2015, 27% of forced marriage cases involved victims under 18 years old
Interpretation
Forced marriage statistics in the UK reveal a troubling trend with a gender imbalance that seems to persist like a bad ex. While it's a relief to see a slight decrease in cases involving victims under 18 in recent years, the fact that the overwhelming majority of victims are female is a reminder that outdated and harmful practices are still haunting our society. It's like the ghost of gender inequality just won't leave the matrimonial party. As we strive for progress and empowerment for all individuals, it's crucial to address this issue head-on, stamp out forced marriages, and ensure that every person's right to choose their own path in life is respected.
