Forced marriage

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Forced marriage happens when one or both people do not, or cannot, consent to the marriage. Even if someone initially agrees to an arranged marriage, they have the right to change their mind at any time. Forced marriage is illegal in Canada and a violation of human rights.

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Immediate action if you are at risk

If you are in Canada

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.

Avoid leaving Canada

If you think someone will force you to leave Canada for a forced marriage, try the following strategies to avoid leaving the country:

  • Delay your travel.
  • Reach out to trusted friends or family members.
  • Hide your travel documents and avoid cooperating to replace them. Without a passport, your ability to travel will be limited.
  • Secure your passport by giving it to someone you trust. If you have another nationality, make sure your other passport is also secure. It could be much more difficult to leave a forced marriage situation in another country.

Get immediate help

If you are at the airport or already outside Canada

At the airport

Alert security

If someone is about to take you outside Canada against your will, notify airport security or airline staff, if you can do so without putting yourself in danger.

If you are outside Canada

Contact the nearest Canadian office abroad for help.

The consular services and help available to you will vary according to your particular circumstances and wishes. They will also depend on what country you are in. Consular officials can discuss what help is available to you.

Steps to take if you are unable to avoid travel

If you think someone will force you to leave Canada for a forced marriage and you cannot avoid travelling, inform someone you trust in Canada.

Try to give them the following information, if possible, before you leave:

Depending on your situation, and if safe to do so, you may want to consider the following safety measures:

Steps to take if someone has already forced you to marry

If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and someone has already forced you into marriage:

Sponsorship applications with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

If someone has already forced you to marry, and is now forcing you to sponsor your spouse so they can immigrate to Canada, you may:

Important information

Learn more about sponsorship and permanent residence applications (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

If you are still outside Canada

Steps to take if you know someone may be forced into marriage

Signs to watch for

How to help someone at risk

What you can do

Find resources in Canada to support them.

Understanding forced marriage

Forced marriage occurs when one or both people do not, or cannot, consent to the marriage. Even if someone initially agrees to an arranged marriage, they have the right to change their mind at any time.

Forced marriage can happen to anyone, anywhere, including in Canada. In some cases, they may be taken to another country against their will to be married. Family members or community members may use emotional pressure, threats or even violence to force someone into marriage. Sometimes, people are also forced to have sex or to get pregnant. Others may also be forced to undergo female genital mutilation prior to being married. Family members will sometimes pressure an individual to get married in the erroneous belief that marriage will change their sexual orientation or identity.

In certain situations, someone may be told they are travelling to visit family, not realizing a marriage has been arranged for them. Once they arrive in the other country, their passport and money may be taken, and they may be closely watched to prevent them from returning to Canada or reaching out for help.

Forced marriage is illegal in Canada at any age. The United Nations considers it a violation of human rights. In Canada, no one under the age of 16 can legally marry. If you are over 16, different provinces and territories have varying rules about the requirements for marriage. It is also a crime to take anyone under the age of 18 out of Canada for the purpose of forcing that person to marry.

Learn more about child, early and forced marriage and unions.

Resources to help educators discuss forced marriage with youth.

Difference between forced and arranged marriage

Forced marriage is different from arranged marriage. In an arranged marriage, family members may recommend a marriage partner. However, the couple must agree to the union freely and choose to marry the potential partner. Both individuals have the right to change their mind at any time.

Resources for help and support

Government of Canada resources

Non-governmental resources in Canada

Service directories

Related links

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