Forced marriage occurs when one of the spouses is forced into marriage. Those affected are often severely oppressed, harassed, and isolated from their social environment. They face violence from their own families, especially from male relatives, and even so-called honor killings.
The boundaries between forced and arranged marriages are fluid, as the interpretation of coercion can vary greatly. In cases of doubt, the perspective of those affected must be the focus.
Girls and women are particularly affected, but men also experience forced marriage. There are no reliable figures on how many forced marriages occur in Germany.
The motives of families for forcing their members to marry are varied: They may be material interests, such as dowry, or the prospect of a residence permit. Others want to bind their children to the norms of their culture of origin or act out of fear of loss of honor.
Forced marriage is a blatant violation of human rights (Article 16, Paragraph 2) and violates criminal and civil law provisions in the Federal Republic of Germany. Forced marriages contradict core values of our constitution: gender equality, the human dignity of those affected, their personal freedom, and a self-determined lifestyle.
Forced marriage in Germany – number and analysis of counseling cases, Scientific study commissioned by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Lawaetz Foundation, 2011
The right to free choice in choosing a partner – Guide for schools on dealing with forced marriages, Federal Government Commissioner for Migration, Refugees and Integration, 2010
The following federal associations are members of the Women’s Shelter Coordination Association
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