Warning signs of forced marriage

The British government hopes new guidelines will help identify women and girls who are being forced into unions against their will.

By International Editor | 07.02.09

A report released Thursday in Britain paints a disturbing portrait of thousands of young British women from immigrant families being forced into marriage (click here to read the report). The women – in some cases, girls – are sent back to rural backwaters in Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and other countries to be married off.

Along with pointing out the scope of the problem – at least 5,000 cases of forced marriage in Britain last year, and probably thousands more – the report also includes guidelines for spotting signs of forced marriage for teachers, police, and community leaders. According to Britain’s Department for Children, Schools, and Families, the following clues might indicate a less-than-voluntary union:

  • Extended absence from school or work
  • A history of siblings leaving education to marry early
  • Parental control of income
  • Evidence of self-harm
  • Evidence of family disputes or running away from home.

To read the Monitor’s story on the issue, click here.

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Comments

1. S. Sandlin | 07.02.09

Good for Britain! Wish they’d do the same here, especially where polygamy is practiced.

2. Jancis M. Andrews | 07.02.09

When immigrants come to Britain they should abide by British law — or don’t come! British law says that girls and women must not be forced into marriage. Forced marriage is rape. Imagine being forced to have sex with someone you fear and dislike — it’s so sad and pathetic, and more must be done to teach immigrants to obey British law, and for safe houses to be erected so that the girls can have somewhee safe to flee to. Then, I suppose, they run the risk of being murdered by a male relative because they have “dishonoured” the family name ….ye Gods, it’s pathetic!

3. JL | 07.06.09

Years of protecting the most extreme forms of terrorist islam, such as Finsbury mosque, are finally paying off

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