Exploring forced marriage as a manifestation of violence against women: a comparative approach

• In Event: Forced Marriages Domestic Violence and sexual abuse: Practices and Perspectives

Abstract

Forced marriage, a form of gender-based violence, profoundly impacts women and girls worldwide. This presentation employs a comparative approach to examine this phenomenon, commencing with the victim-centred perspective mandated by the Istanbul Convention, which prioritizes victim protection. It scrutinizes data on forced marriage alongside the institutional and legislative responses in Germany, Spain, Finland, and Ireland.

As a result of this analisis, additional empirical insights are necessary in the analyzed countries to develop effective preventive strategies. The legislative response should shift from an emphasis on criminal law, which risks overly narrow conceptualizations of forced marriage, towards civil and family law considerations.

In conclusion, we advocate for increased institutional focus on forced marriage within the four analyzed countries, aiming to provide victims with effective access to justice. This underscores the need for comprehensive measures prioritizing prevention, protection, and empowerment in combating this egregious violation of human rights.

Authors

• Marc Salat, University of Lleida

• Carolina Villacampa, University of Lleida