Forced Marriage Unit reports 10 per cent fall in cases in 2019
The number of cases in which the Forced Marriage Unit provided advice and support in2019 represents a 10 per cent decrease on 2018 cases but is in line with the average number of cases per year since 2011.
In 2019, the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) gave advice or support in 1,355 cases related to a possible forced marriage. This figure includes contact that has been made to the FMU through the public helpline or by email in relation to a new case. It does not include general enquires.
Between 2011 and 2018, the FMU provided advice and support in an average of 1,359 cases per year.
Of the cases in which FMU provided support in 2019:
- 363 cases (27 per cent) involved victims below 18 years of age.
- 485 cases (36 per cent) involved victims aged 18-25.
- 137 cases (10 per cent) involved victims with a learning disability.
- 1,080 cases (80 per cent) involved female victims, and 262 cases (19 per cent) involved male victims. Gender in the remaining 13 cases was unknown.
These proportions are broadly in line with previous years.
The FMU notes that forced marriage is not a problem specific to one country or culture. Since 2011, the FMU has handled cases relating to countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe and North America.
In 2019, the FMU handled cases relating to 66 'focus countries', excluding the UK. The seven 'focus countries' with the highest number of cases in 2019 were:
- Pakistan - 559 cases (41 per cent)
- Bangladesh - 144 cases (11 per cent)
- India - 65 cases (5 per cent)
- Afghanistan - 54 cases (4 per cent)
- Somalia31 cases (2 per cent)
- Iraq - 23 cases (2 per cent)
- Romania - 22 cases (2 per cent).
For the full statistics for 2019, click here. Statistics for previous years can be found here.
25/6/20