Arranged marriage is when the couple’s families are involved in arranging the union, however, both individuals are allowed the freedom to consent to the marriage.
Unlike forced marriage, arranged marriage is not illegal. However, the distinction can sometimes be confusing as arranged marriage is common in some close-knit family structures, cultures and communities and forced marriage is often the result of undue pressure upon the individual from their family and community. The key is to establish whether the individuals involved are freely consenting and not just agreeing due to fear or pressure.
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