Forced marriages 'at record high'

[anotheoldgit]

http://tinyurl.com/67ovk8k

On this International Woman's Day, it has been announced that forced marriages are at a record high, according to South Wales Police.

How come this disgusting practice is still taking place in our modern Western society, and what can be done to stamp it out?

I know that it can happen to men also, but that don't make it any more acceptable.

[sandyRoe]

If a law was introduced that marrying a UK citizen didn't automatically bring with it the right to settle here, the numbers might be reduced.

[tamborine]

Migrants come with their culture and this is part of it; children of the families are aware of what is expected of them.

[anotheoldgit]

I think there is a big difference between a forced marriage and a bogus marriage sandy.

These forced marriages are generally between couples of the same race and religion, mainly for family reasons.

[boxtops]

They're trying AOG, trying very hard. Still loads of stories about girls being lured to the Asian subcontinent because "grandma's ill" then being locked in until they marry some bloke they've never seen.

[sandyRoe]

Imagine a youngster sent out to Pakistan to be married of to a cousin. Will the newly weds settle there or will both come back here?

[boxtops]

Either, sandy.

[rov1100]

Call me simple but when you have the marriage taking place the couple have to pronounce the words 'I DO'. Couldn't they just say 'I don't'.

[tamborine]

The value of the spouse is entry to UK.

[youngmafbog]

Rov, don't you read the newspapers, if only it was that simple.

About all we can do is refuse entry to the spouse if the marriage took place abroad.

One thing I would like to see, and this applies to everyone, is that some form of 'interview' takes place by an independant person. Marriage should be thought out and not rushed or forced into. This may then give an opportunity to discover if someone is being forced as well as getting those in desparate love to get their feet on the ground first. It could also cover a pre nup and advise on how to make a marriage work. Judging by divorse rates we need it !

[tamborine]

They can divorce soon after uk entry & can remarry as often as they like....gr8 system - not !

[Bobbisox]

if the said culture decrees this can happen, fine, but I do think the British Law should be adhered to if they are resident here

[boxtops]

Very hard when those involved it in operate at their own cultural levels, not within UK law. If a girl brings shame to a family by not wanting to marry a man of choice, or gets a boyfriend outside, then we've all seen the newspaper stories about shipping them overseas, injuring or worse. Family honour is hugely important to certain cultures. Forced marriage is still wrong though, some may feel that the parents know best but it's still against the law, and not only in the UK.