Identifying and Reporting
F RCED MARRIAGE IN HONG KONG
F RCED MARRIAGE IS...
Against the law in Hong Kong.
Forced marriage (FM) means that one or both people do not consent to the marriage. Full and free consent is required to marry in Hong Kong.
Considered a form of domestic violence.
In a FM, one or both parties, who may be girls or boys may be subject to physical, emotional or financial pressure to marry, even with a relative
FM can lead to physical, emotional or financial threats to other family members, including siblings. For example, the threat of removal from school or Hong Kong.
NOT arranged marriage.
An arranged marriage means the people getting married have the right to refuse or to agree to the marriage. In FM, there is no consent, even if someone agrees due to pressure or threats
SIGNS OF
F RCED MARRIAGE
Physical and emotional signs (anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, unexplained bruises, and submissive behaviour)
Unexplained drop in academic performance (lower grades, lack of class or extracurricular participation)
Changes in school participation (skipping classes/not participating in classroom or extra-curricular activities)
Children or young people may become silent or depressed, or experience selfharm or mental health problems
Sudden parental restrictions on independence (inability to attend activities, need for male chaperone)
Dramatic change in appearance or dress; hiding modern clothing from parents and family
Changes to study/training programs
Expressing fear given that they do not know whether they will go back to school or return to Hong Kong after the holidays.
Sudden plans for extended overseas trips (family emergency, holiday, etc.) with an uncertain return date
Their social circle believe that something is wrong given the above warning signs
HOW DO WE HANDLE
F RCED MARRIAGE?
When we see one of the people in our community that may be in a forced marriage, we should...
Speak to the person in a safe place
Listen carefully, document any concerns and emphasise the person ’ s safety
For a child, you should report. See Reporting Child Abuse
For an adult, ask how you can help them and be respectful about their right to make choices
Ask how to contact them in a secure way (some may not have privacy on their mobile phone/ computers)
Let them know that there are limits to confidentiality
Contact the Call Mira helpline for assistance
On the other hand, we shouldn’t...
Assume this is a cultural issue or a family issue and therefore dismiss it
Dismiss the concerns and fears of the person
Speak to or involve family or community members about the person
F
RCED MARRIAGE
HOW TO REPORT
Police (24 hours) 999
Family and Child Protective Service Units (FCPSU):
Central Western, Southern, & Islands - 2835 2733
Eastern and Wan Chai - 2231 5859
Kwun Tong - 3586 3741
Wong Tai Sin and Sai Kung - 3188 3563
Sham Shui Po - 2247 5373
Kowloon City and Yau Tsim Mong - 3583 3254
Sha Tin - 2158 6680
Tai Po and North - 3183 9323
Tuen Mun - 2618 5710
Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing - 2940 7350
Yuen Long - 2445 4224
DOWE REPORT
F RCED MARRIAGE?
YES for underage children
FM is child abuse if the person is under 18 Although reporting child abuse is expected to be mandatory for certain professions, you should report FM regardless because it is the responsible thing to do.
MAYBE
MAYBE for adults (18+)
If the person is over 18, they are an adult and it is their choice whether or not to report.
There are plenty of resources available, check out Resources in this guide.
The “One Chance Rule”
A potential victim of FM may have only one chance to speak to someone who can help them. So, when they do speak with you, listen well
If A Child Report YES
If An Adult Offer Resources
RESOURCE HUB
HELP AVAILABLE
Call Mira 9682 3100 (English/ Hindi/ Urdu) Mon to Sat, 10 am - 6 pm
Time to Unmute: Understanding Forced Marriage in Hong Kong Forced Marriage Assistance List
