The May 31 Edition

On the list of abhorrent cultural practices that should be tossed into the dustbin of history, making people marry against their wishes must rank near the very top. In Australia, forced marriage thrives on its invisibility – and our collective denial that it actually happens in our suburbs and towns. But as Melissa Fyfe reveals through some chilling examples in today’s cover story – including parents locking their daughter in her bedroom and sealing off the window, and a potential husband “marking” his prospective wife as his property – forced marriage is more common than many of us care to think. Trapped and isolated, it takes a brave woman (and it is mostly women, though men make up about 20 per cent of forced-marriage victims) to break free, so it’s not a surprise to read that some of these escapees have gone on to help others flee from family captors and reach safe houses. Last year, the federal government introduced new support services for women that don’t involve dobbing in their parents to the police – an emotional roadblock for many wanting to escape. – Greg Callaghan, acting editor.