This article highlights the many difficulties met by victims of forced marriage. These women are vulnerable in two ways. Firstly, they may be subject to forms of abuse and exploitation and, secondly, their status as an immigrant may be precarious, especially when they are sponsored by their husband. Studies in some European countries, in particular Norway and Belgium, have exposed an unexpected situation, in view of the magnitude of the problem, indicating an urgent need for action. These countries chose to criminalize forced marriages. Canada has not criminalized forced marriage. Based on a study of women who have either experienced forced marriage or the threat thereof, and key informants from various practice settings working with them, we ask the question : Is criminalization good, and is it the only solution to the problem ?