Regarding the article Crackdown on Forced MarriagesI think there is still some confusion.

When people think of forced marriages they immediately think of parents taking their children abroad and getting them married.

But for most it isn't like that. I got married when I was 17 and my parents didn't force me. But they might as well have done.

There is a lot of emotional blackmail by elders and family members and in the end it looks like the person getting married has made their own decision.

When there is so much pressure when you are that age it is difficult to go against your parents wishes. I went through it to please my parents but they didn't 'force' me as such.

Young people should not be put in a such a situation. It is wrong and parents dont know this because they feel they are doing the right thing.

Anonymous

Blackburn