It happens time and again during the holidays: girls and young women in particular are married off against their will, either in their countries of origin or in Germany. According to the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs, such forced marriages are a criminal offence in Germany under Section 237 of the Criminal Code.
Marriage only with free consent
Article 16(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states: “Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.” This principle applies to girls and boys, regardless of their origin, religion, skin colour or age. However, families sometimes attempt to enforce a forced marriage through pressure or even violence. One reason: saying “no” could bring “shame” on the family.
A leaflet offers advice for many situations
A leaflet from the Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Social Affairs answers questions about what those affected can do. It is entitled “You decide who and when you marry!” It states explicitly: “You have to live with your spouse – not your parents, and not your relatives either!” The leaflet offers advice on what to do in specific situations – for example, if girls or young women fear they may be forced into marriage in Germany or whilst on holiday. Or what they can do if they are already abroad and the wedding is imminent.
Helpful addresses for emergencies
The leaflet also provides answers for specific emergencies – for example, if those affected have fled without a passport or money and wish to return to Germany. Or where they can stay until a return to Germany is possible. It also lists the addresses of numerous counselling centres in Baden-Württemberg. In Tübingen, this is the Domestic Violence Counselling Centre run by the organisation “Frauen helfen Frauen” at Weberstraße 8, telephone: 07071 / 7911100.
General information with links to helpful websites:
www.zwangsheirat.de
In Tübingen:
https://www.frauen-helfen-frauen-tuebingen.de/beratungsstelle-haeusliche-gewalt
A leaflet from the Ministry of Social Affairs featuring a page where important details, such as ID numbers or the telephone number of a counselling centre, can be noted down:
https://sozialministerium.baden-wuerttemberg.de/fileadmin/redaktion/m-sm/intern/downloads/Publikationen/Zwangsverheiratung_Du-entscheidest_2020.pdf
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