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RefugeEU

RefugeEU

A Safe Way Out. A Future Without Fear.

RefugeEU helps women who are being forced into marriage or controlled by family pressure. Whether you're still in North Africa or already in Europe, you have rights — and there are people who will help you.

Find Urgent Help

Know Your Rights

"Forced marriage is illegal in Europe. You are protected."

Even if you are not a citizen, you still have rights and can access help.

France

Forced marriage is a crime under Article 222-14-4 of the French Penal Code. Punishable by up to 3 years in prison and €45,000 fine.

0 800 05 95 95

Germany

Punished under Criminal Code Section 237. Forcing someone into marriage can result in up to 5 years imprisonment.

08000 116 016

Belgium

Consent is required by law. Forced marriage is considered a serious violation of human rights and is punishable by law.

116 000

Italy

Art. 556-bis Criminal Code. Up to 5 years prison and €15 000 fine for forced marriage.

1522

Sweden

Forced marriage is punishable by up to 4 years in prison (Ch. 4, § 4c BrB).

020 50 10 10

Denmark

Section 260 of the Penal Code. Up to 6 years imprisonment.

1888

Austria

§ 106 StGB. Up to 3 years prison for forced marriage.

0800 222 555

Greece

Law 4531/2018. Up to 10 years prison and €50 000 fine.

15900

Portugal

Art. 154-B Penal Code. 1-8 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Ireland

Forced marriage criminalised 2021. Up to 7 years prison.

1800 341 900

Finland

Ch. 25 § 3a Penal Code. Up to 4 years prison for forced marriage.

0800 050 50

Luxembourg

Art. 396 Penal Code. 5-10 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Slovenia

Art. 181 Penal Code. 3-8 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Czechia

§ 212 Penal Code. 2-8 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Hungary

§ 192/B Penal Code. Up to 5 years prison for forced marriage.

116 123

Poland

Art. 209 Penal Code. 3-12 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Slovakia

§ 212 Penal Code. 2-8 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Croatia

Art. 215 Penal Code. 1-10 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Bulgaria

Art. 183 Penal Code. 3-10 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Romania

Art. 309 Penal Code. 2-7 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Estonia

§ 136 Penal Code. Up to 5 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Latvia

Art. 153 Penal Code. 2-10 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Lithuania

Art. 152 Penal Code. 2-10 years prison for forced marriage.

116 111

Malta

Art. 248E Penal Code. 2-8 years prison for forced marriage.

179

Cyprus

Art. 150 Penal Code. 3-10 years prison for forced marriage.

1440

Planning Your Freedom

Digital Safety First

Use a burner phone if possible, or borrow a trusted friend's device. Delete your browsing history regularly.

Use incognito/private mode when reading this site to prevent others from seeing your browsing history.

Don't share your plans with anyone you don't fully trust. Even well-meaning people might unintentionally reveal your plans.

Prepare a go-bag with essential items: ID documents, money, phone, medications, and a change of clothing. Keep it hidden but accessible.

Avoid social media posting about your plans or feelings. Assume all your devices might be monitored.

Use public Wi-Fi or a trusted friend's phone if your devices are monitored. Consider creating a new email account for safe communication.

Netherlands

Veilig Thuis (Safe Home)

0800 2000

Spain

Violence Against Women Helpline

016

Emergency Bag Checklist

  • Passport/ID (or copies)
  • Emergency cash (€200-500)
  • Prepaid phone/SIM card
  • List of safe addresses
  • Basic medications

Safe Meeting Points

  • Hospital emergency rooms
  • Police stations (ask for female officer)
  • Women's shelters (call ahead)
  • Embassy of your home country

Leaving is hard, but you don't have to do it alone. There are organizations and people ready to support you when you're ready.

Emergency Help in Europe

Immediate support is available in these countries

France

Violence & Forced Marriage Helpline

0 800 05 95 95

Belgium

Child Focus Helpline

116 000

Germany

Women's Helpline

08000 116 016

Europe-wide

Emergency Number

112

Quick Access Resources

Scan this QR code to save all emergency contacts to your phone:

Emergency QR Code

(Only scan if safe to do so)

Important Information

If you're in immediate danger, call the emergency number in your country. These services are confidential and available in multiple languages.

Remember: You can ask for a female officer if that makes you more comfortable.

Contact Us Anonymously

We're here to listen and help

Safety Reminder:

  • Don't use your personal device if it's monitored
  • Clear this chat history after sending
  • Use code words if you need to communicate safely

You don't need to give us your name or email. We'll never share your message. We are here to listen, support, and guide you — not judge you.

Complete Emergency Kit

  • Passport (or copy)
  • €300–€500 in cash
  • Pre-paid SIM card
  • Map with shelter addresses
  • Medications & prescription copies
  • USB with scanned certificates
  • Small flashlight
  • Change of underwear
  • Water bottle & energy bars

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel if my passport is taken away?

Contact your embassy immediately. They can issue an emergency travel document.

What if I have children with me?

Many shelters accept children. Some countries offer temporary guardianship orders to protect you both.

Will I be deported?

Forced-marriage victims often qualify for international protection. Seek legal aid immediately.

Real Stories, Real Hope

Amina

"I thought I was alone until I found RefugeEU. They helped me reach safety in France."

— Amina, 22

Leila

"I escaped a forced marriage in Italy. Today I study law and help others like me."

— Leila, 25

Yasmin

"The emergency kit saved my life. I had everything I needed to start fresh."

— Yasmin, 28

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