Forced marriage; counseling

According to German law and German values, marriage is based on the free will of both spouses; it is therefore an expression of the free development of the personality, which is protected by Article 2 Paragraph 1 in conjunction with Article 1 of the Basic Law. in conjunction with Article 1 of the Basic Law.

If the bride, groom or both spouses are forced to marry, this is referred to as a forced marriage. Most of those affected are women and girls. It is often relatives who force their children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews into marriage.

Forced marriage is illegal in Germany and has been punishable under Section 237 of the German Criminal Code since July 1, 2011. Anyone who forces another person to enter into a marriage is punished with a prison sentence of between 6 months and 5 years. The victim of a forced marriage is not liable to prosecution.

Special counseling and protection services for women who are at risk of or affected by forced marriage are offered by the specialized counseling centers JADWIGA, run by STOP dem Frauenhandel ökumenische gGmbH, and the specialized counseling centers of SOLWODI Bayern e.V..

In addition, the anonymous shelter "Scheherazade hilft" offers a safe place to stay for young women aged 18 to 21. This can be reached 24 hours a day on the free telephone number 0800/41 51 616.

Since March 2013, there has also been a nationwide help hotline for violence against women, which can also be reached free of charge 24 hours a day on 08000 116 016.

They are affected or threatened by forced marriage.

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• § Section 237 of the Criminal Code
• Art. 2 para. 1 i. V. m. Art. 1 Basic Law

• JADWIGA specialist advice center
• Solwodi Bavaria e.V.
• Scheherazade-hilft - Contact point against forced marriage
• Directory of youth welfare offices in Bavaria
• Help hotline "Violence against women"
• Forced marriage (bayern-gegen-gewalt.de)

Contact an advice center or the youth welfare office. You will receive advice and support there and be informed about your legal options. The service also includes psychosocial support and assistance in crisis situations.

In emergencies or if you are acutely threatened by violence, contact the police.

• Residence permit; general information
• Children and young people; taken into care by the youth welfare office