Forced marriage or pressure to marry: where to get help

Your family or community is pushing you into a marriage you don't want? No one may force you. Which specialist services help, and when to call the police.

Family and the people around you

Your family or community is pushing you towards a marriage you don't want, or don't want yet. The pressure ranges from constant questions to threats.

How it can show up

Conversations about marriage happen without you, or decisions are made over your head.
Your wish to wait or to choose for yourself is not accepted.
You are being pressured, threatened or restricted in your freedom.
You are afraid to say openly what you want.

Questions for you

There are no right answers. Take the question that stays with you.

Do you feel safe where you live right now?
Which person outside the family could support you?
Do you know which specialist service you can turn to if the pressure grows?
What do you want yourself when you think about marriage and timing?

When other help fits better

No one may force you into a marriage. If you are being threatened, confined or pressured, contact a specialist service for forced marriage or violence, a person you trust or, if you are in danger, the police right away.

What coaching can do

Coaching can help with your own decision under the weight of expectations. But it is no protection and does not replace specialist counselling if you are being threatened or forced.

If it is too much right now

Coaching is not psychotherapy and not a crisis service. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact the emergency services where you are right away, or a crisis service near you.