In a previous article, I discussed forced marriage and how it was surprisingly still a problem in modern times, and actually quite a serious problem in the UK. Young girls frequently just disappear as they are sent off into forced marriage. Yet, the officials were oh so careful not to offend anyone engaging in such practices. I suggested that the young girls being dragged off and forced to marry against their wishes were most likely plenty offended. You can read more about that here.
Now, the government has at least in part determined that these girls, young women, and yes, even some men, require assistance to cope after surviving forced marriage. That is, if they can be rescued. Sometimes people are simply never heard from again. However, if a report can be made quickly to the special Forced Marriage Unit, sometimes people can be saved. Unfortunately, only a few hundred out of thousands of calls are actually ever investigated.
For those that are rescued a support group of sorts has been created. A handbook has been written, and apparently some services will be provided for survivors. Some don’t realize why this is so serious, but not only are these people forced to marry someone against their wishes, but they are also quite often abused.
A Home Office Minister has stated that there is no honor in protecting forced marriage, and no honor in the marriages themselves because they are based on force. He has also said that forced marriage isn’t right for the “modern world” and that this custom is not respected.
While many are bending over backwards to be “culturally sensitive” we have to draw the line at kidnapping, physical and emotional abuse, and possible long term if not permanent trauma. Forced marriage allows all of these things to happen simply by using the “marriage” label.
That’s not a marriage; it’s slavery.