Forced Marriage Protection Orders

This page explains what Forced Marriage Protection Orders are and how they can help people who are in a forced marriage or being forced into marriage.

A Forced Marriage Protection Order is a legal document, issued by a judge, which aims to change the behaviour of anyone who is trying to force you into marriage. It contains legally binding conditions on their behaviour, and if they disobey the order they can be sent to prison for up to two years.

Each Forced Marriage Protection Order is unique, as it is designed to protect you according to your individual circumstances. For example, the court may order a person or persons to hand over another person's passport or reveal where they are. In an emergency, an order can be made to protect a person immediately.

Forced Marriage Protection Orders were introduced by the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act on 25 November 2008. You can find out more about them on the website of Her Majesty's Courts Service.