“forced marriage”

This page shows official legal definitions of “forced marriage” from courts and ministries of justice in multiple countries. Definitions are listed in order of reading level to help with both basic understanding and deeper context.

Jurisdiction: Australia Australia

Distinct from arranged marriage, forced marriage is marriage without the free and full consent of one or both parties to the marriage.

Source: Family, domestic and sexual violence glossary (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare)
Jurisdiction: United States United States

A marriage that takes place without the consent of one or both people in the marriage. Consent means that you have given your full, free, and informed agreement to marry your intended spouse and to the timing of the marriage. Forced marriage may occur when family members or others use physical or emotional abuse, threats, or deception to force you to marry without your consent.

Victims of forced marriage may be girls, boys, women, or men. Forced marriage can affect individuals of any race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, or national origin from all economic and educational backgrounds.

Source: USCIS Glossary (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)