Arranged marriage is a union in which the bride and groom are chosen mostly by someone other than the couple, especially family members such as the parents. It has been a standard method of matching people for life partners in many civilisations, including India, Pakistan, and other Asian nations. It becomes a forced union when one or both parties are subjected to coercion, pressure, or other undue influence that eliminates their freedom of choice and consent.
A forced marriage is a union in which one or both partners are joined against their will, under pressure, or without their complete and free agreement. It is against human rights or family law and can have serious, long-lasting repercussions for all parties involved, especially for women and girls. In a forced marriage, both parties may not have agreed to the union or may have agreed to it under duress, such as threats of violence or harm, emotional blackmail, or other forms of coercion.
It’s essential to remember that forced unions are forbidden in several nations, including the US, Dubai, and many more. Governments and organisations are attempting to increase public awareness of the issue and offer assistance to vulnerable victims of forced marriage.
Signs that indicate a planned marriage has become forceful
It is essential to recognise the signs of forced marriage to take necessary action and avoid injury or emotional trauma. There are various signs that a planned marriage has become a forced union. Here are a few of the typical warning signs to watch out for:
Lack of choice
A lack of choice is one of the leading factors that make a planned marriage has become forceful. A forced union may result when one or both parties are denied the freedom to select their spouse or to reject the marriage. For instance, if a person is forced to marry someone against their will by family members or other community members, they may no longer have the freedom to choose and consent. Lack of choice may appear in various ways, such as when a person is denied any other options or faces violence or other negative consequences if they reject the marriage. In these circumstances, seeking assistance and support is essential to stop forced marriage and safeguard the person’s human rights.
Fear
Fear is a common factor in a planned marriage that has become abusive. When discussing the marriage, one or both sides may display dread or worry or appear under duress. Moreover, fear and intimidation can be produced when one or both sides are pressured into the marriage via threats or coercion. In some situations, family or community members may exert control over the people involved, causing them to feel afraid or dependent. Being forced into marriage is against human rights and can have long-lasting effects on all parties involved, so it’s crucial to notice these warning signs and take action to stop them.
Age
The age might be a sign that a planned marriage has become a forced union. It is more likely that an underage couple will be forced into a marriage against their will if one or both of the parties are underage. Although it is prohibited in many nations, including the United Arab Emirates, child marriage is prevalent in some cultures or communities. Also, if the parties’ ages range significantly, it might be a symptom of power dynamics and a lack of autonomy for the inexperienced or younger. Age can also play a role when one or both individuals are not yet mature enough to appreciate the ramifications of marriage and may be more vulnerable to pressure or coercion from family members or other third parties.
The marriage decision should be mutual and based on each person’s tastes and findings. The importance of ensuring that both spouses are content and willing participants in the marriage cannot be overstated, although cultural and familial expectations might play a role in planned marriages.
Arranged marriages may be a cultural custom, but forced marriage is against the law and can have dire and long-lasting repercussions for the involved individuals. It’s essential to spot the warning indications that a planned union may have devolved into a forced marriage.
It is imperative to realise that forced marriage is prohibited in many nations and that persons at risk of or have already been through forced marriage can access organisations and resources that can help them. Speaking out and obtaining help is crucial when you or someone close is in danger of being forced into marriage.