Forced marriages in Finland remain hidden as victims fear speaking out

Dozens of forced marriages are uncovered in Finland each year, many involving underage girls and some occurring within Finland’s borders. Authorities say such cases often remain hidden and are only revealed when victims feel safe enough to speak.

The Finnish Assistance System for Victims of Human Trafficking has recorded 380 victims of forced marriage since 2017. Roughly one-third of these marriages took place in Finland. Others were arranged abroad, with some victims brought from Finland to other countries to be married.