A forced marriage is a marriage or a comparable relationship into which a person is compelled against their will, or from which they are not allowed to separate. It differs from an arranged marriage, which is based on free consent. Anyone can become a victim of a forced marriage.
Coercion may occur through, for example, extortion, threats, physical violence, or by exploiting a person’s vulnerable position – such as being a minor, having a disability, or being dependent on a community. Pressure to marry may also arise from the pursuit of financial gain, social status, or a residence permit. A forced marriage may also involve child marriage, in which one party is under 18 years old. A minor may have given their consent to the marriage or felt it was their duty.
Refusing a marriage may lead to rejection by the family or community and increase the risk of honour-related violence. However, the reasons are not always connected to culture or religion.
Forced marriage violates a person’s right to make decisions about their own life and can cause psychological and physical harm as well as increase financial dependency. Seeking help may be difficult due to threats, lack of information, and distrust toward authorities.
Forcing someone into marriage is punishable in Finland as human trafficking, aggravated human trafficking, or coercion. A marriage entered into under coercion can be annulled, in which case the legal consequences are similar to a divorce, but the marital status is restored and children retain their rights to inheritance and child support. In the case of a minor, the marriage may be declared void if one party is clearly underage and there is a significant age difference between the spouses.