ONE of the subjects I am most often asked about is the issue of forced marriages within Islam.

Recently, the subject has been even more prominent in my mind because I have, as part of work, dealt with the aftermath of several forced marriages.

Firstly, let me make it clear to Muslims and non-Muslims: a forced marriage in Islam is illegal and explicitly forbidden. Bringing two people together, who do not want to be together, is not going to work. It is common sense.

But there is confusion over what a forced marriage is. An arranged marriage in Islam is allowed. This is when a third party (parents, family or friends) introduces a couple to each other based on their likes, dislikes, heritage or any other relevant factor.

Statistically speaking, you are far more likely to have a successful marriage if it is arranged than if it is not. Again, it is common sense. If your marriage is based on your compatibility with the other person, gauged by those who know you best, such as family and friends, it follows that it is more likely to be a success.

But the crucial element here, which is often overlooked, is that the couple both agree to enter into the marriage of their own free will.

An arranged marriage stops being such if either party is compelled to accept the marriage. If the family or friends insist on either party taking their advice, it is no longer an arranged marriage – it becomes a forced marriage.

The reason for the insistence may be seemingly noble or innocent and done in the perceived best interests of the couple. The explanations might include: "he/she will really make you happy" or "I really like him/her". However, let's be clear, as soon as the arranger insists against the will of either of the couple, it is a forced marriage.

These are the subtle signs of a forced marriage, and in the medium term they have an equally fatal impact on a relationship as the other more extreme, more obvious signs of a forced marriage; the kind you usually read about in the national newspapers.

Believe me, I know. People are coming to my office with an alarming and increasing consistency to tell me about it. There is clearly a problem out there and it really does need to be addressed. It is beginning to have a devastating impact on the Muslim community of Bristol. And in the next few years it will get much worse.

The problem is far more prevalent among Muslim women than it is for Muslim men. The number of women coming to my office for advice is five times higher than the number of men with the same concerns. The latest national figures show that about 50 per cent of British Muslim men enter into a marriage with strong parental influence. This figure rises to about 70 per cent for British Muslim women.

If we look back 15 years, Muslim sons and daughters might have agreed to a marriage against their will for the sake of their parents, for their family relationships or for whatever other noble cause, but those relationships are now falling apart and beginning to have a massive impact on the social fabric of our society.

The Muslim community of Bristol is getting a rude awakening – forced marriages need to stop.