Patriarchal violence
In the name of so-called "honor"?
Patriarchal violence occurs primarily in family structures, communities, and societies shaped by patriarchal norms. It is often also referred to as so-called "honor"-based violence. Honor-based violence can manifest as domestic violence or violence within close social relationships, but it includes the specific motive of wanting to preserve the "family honor." Perpetrators justify their actions by claiming they are maintaining or restoring this "family honor."
Violence in the name of "honor" can take various forms, including emotional pressure and coercion, confinement and social isolation of the affected individuals, as well as physical and sexualized violence. Forced marriages and "honor killings" are among the most severe forms of honor-based violence. Read more
Bearers or Honor
Honor as a value system is a patriarchal, i.e., socially constructed concept. Women and girls are seen as the bearers and guardians of the family's reputation and good name. In this role, they are expected to conform to cultural expectations, for example regarding chastity or obedience, but also concering clothing and behavior in public. Control of the female body and sexuality plays a central role in maintaining family honor. In the event of a violation, other family members are obligated to restore the "family honor," if necessary through violence against the woman concerned.
Forced marriage
„In a forced marriage, those affected are compelled to enter into marriage under threats or the use of violence or significant harm. It constitutes a serious violation of fundamental personal rights. Forced marriages occur in many social, ethnic, and cultural contexts. They are particularly difficult to identify when they are not legally valid but are instead concluded informally according to religious, social, or cultural rites.“ (BMFSFJ)
In an arranged marriage, the partners do not choose each other themselves but are suggested by family members or marriage brokers. A forced marriage goes beyond this in that at least one of the two individuals involved does not consent to the marriage. The boundaries are often fluid. High emotional pressure from the family and expectations from the social environment often lead to a perceived lack of alternatives. What is decisive is therefore solely the subjective perception of the affected woman as to whether she is able to give her consent autonomously or not.
Forced marriage – Who is affected?
Girls are potentially at risk of being forced into marriage from the onset of puberty; the danger is particularly high between the ages of 15 and 19, as girls are often expected to enter marriage as virgins. However, forced marriage can also affect adult women after a divorce. In such cases, families may pressure them into a new marriage as quickly as possible in order to erase the “shame of divorce.” Young men and transgender individuals can also be subjected to forced marriage.
In all religions, the consent of both spouses is considered a prerequisite for marriage. In Islamic law as well, marriage is regarded as a contract based on the mutual consent of both partners. Consequently, not only Muslim individuals but people of all religions can be affected by forced marriage.
Forced marriage in law
Violence within the family is a serious violation of human rights. In Germany, forced marriage has been a separate criminal offence since 2011 (SGB §237) and can be punished with imprisonment ranging from six months to five years. Even the attempt to force a marriage is punishable by law. However, reports are made only rarely; in 2023, only 80 cases were recorded in Germany (source: Statista). The number of unreported cases is likely many times higher. A survey conducted among specialist counselling centres in 2008 identified more than 3,400 cases.
Forced marriage can also constitute the criminal offence of human trafficking, particularly in cases involving the abduction of underage girls. In cases of forced marriage involving minors, the marriage is usually not concluded under state law but is based on religious or cultural rites. However, those affected often perceive these unions as no less binding.
Impact of forced marriage
Women - and their children - in marriages that are entered into through coercion are often exposed to more violence than in a voluntary marriage. They experience physical and psychological abuse, including rape. Since the husband has also usually not freely chosen his partner, he often lacks emotional attachment and respect towards her. Disregard, emotional neglect, and the constant fear of violence lead to reduced self-esteem, depression, and other illnesses in women. They have lower self-confidence and do not perceive themselves as self-efficacious, which also negatively affects their mental health.
In addition, forced marriage can have serious negative consequences for the education and professional qualifications of affected girls. Not uncommonly, they are forced to prematurely education or university studies upon marriage, or are not allowed to begin them at all. As a result, they often also lose their previous circle of friends. If this is combined with a forced separation from their family of origin, the young woman can quickly become socially isolated and fully dependent on her husband and his family. With increasing financial and psychological dependence on their spouse, their chances of leading and independent and self-determined life decrease.
In cases of forced marriage, it is crucial that the environment of the affected woman—such as her school or training workplace—can correctly interpret possible warning signs. Often, for example, school is the only external place a girl can attend without constant supervision by her family. Irregular school attendance and other behavioural changes shortly before school holidays, or a lack of enthusiasm or visible distress before a planned trip to the country of origin, are warning signs that should prompt a sensitive conversation with the affected girl and the provision of information about support services and counselling centres. In doing so, it must always be ensured that the girl’s values and life circumstances are treated with respect.
Protection from violence and protected accommodation
If a woman is currently affected by patriarchal violence, the police can provide short-term protection by issuing a so-called eviction order against the partner. The perpetrator is required to hand over the keys to the apartment and is removed from the home. He may also be prohibited from visiting certain places, such as the woman’s workplace or the children’s school. This eviction order can be issued for a period of up to 14 days. During this time, the affected woman is given the opportunity to calm down and, if necessary, take further steps. The police usually also inform her about specialised counselling centres she can turn to. If children are also affected, the youth welfare office is involved as well.
Further protective measures can be ordered by the family court under the Protection Against Violence Act, such as a restraining order. If the perpetrator violates this order, he may be punished with imprisonment of up to one year or a fine.
What does SOLWODI do?
SOLWODI supported over 500 women affected by patriarchal violence in 2023. In 117 cases, there was a threat of so-called honour killing. 138 women and girls were threatened with forced marriage, and in 113 cases, this had already taken place. When an affected woman contacts SOLWODI, the first step is crisis intervention and orientation counselling. This involves assessing the level of danger and informing the woman about her rights. Support services and protective measures are explained, and legal questions as well as the consequences of possible decisions, such as separation from a partner, are discussed.
Demands
SOLWODI calls for special hardship regulations for women and girls who are threatened by forced marriage and so-called honour killings, in order to ensure that they can be effectively helped. In particular, funding must be secured to enable admission to a safe shelter. In addition, the women often require therapeutic support to process their experiences. Unfortunately, only a few therapists are trained in trialogue settings, i.e. conversations involving an interpreter. Appropriate training courses in this area would be desirable.
Many of the affected women have never learned to make their own decisions. It is therefore important that integration courses also promote women’s independence. In addition, women must be effectively protected when threatened by their families. A contact ban alone is often not sufficient.
For SOLWODI staff, working with victims of honour-based violence requires a high level of sensitivity towards cultural traditions of origin. They must find a balance between integration efforts and respectful engagement with the personal values and goals of those affected. It is not always easy to avoid imposing a support plan shaped by assumptions and prejudice, which could otherwise lead to breakdowns in support and a return to a situation of family violence. A more constructive approach in this context is one of stabilisation and resource-oriented support.
There are no shortcuts when supporting victims of forced marriage and family violence. However, sustainable counselling enables independent life paths because it is oriented towards the individual abilities and goals of the girls and women.
Sources:
Many of the statements made are based on the experiences and observations of SOLWODI social workers in their counselling and support of clients. In addition, the following sources are relevant for individual sections of the text:
Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt), Human Trafficking and Exploitation. Federal Situation Report 2022, Wiesbaden 2023
Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ), Forced Marriage in Germany. Number and Analysis of Counselling Cases. Summary, 2011
Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (BMFSFJ),
https://www.bmfsfj.de/bmfsfj/themen/gleichstellung/frauen-vor-gewalt-schuetzen/haeusliche-gewalt/, accessed on 25.05.2024
Network Against Violence of the Hessian State Government, Violence in the Name of Honour. Guide for the Protection of Young People Affected by So-Called Honour Crimes, Wiesbaden 2017 (2nd edition)
Ressourcen
The resources section is continuously updated. We would greatly appreciate any suggestions or additions sent to info@solwodi.de.
Filme, Dokumentationen, Radiobeiträge, Podcasts
Aktuelle Hörempfehlung:
Podcast: Mordlust, #74 In the Name of Honour
Good, in-depth information on the topic of so-called honour-based violence.
Reports, studies and other materials
Aktuelle Leseempfehlung:
SOLWODI, Legal Approaches to Forced Marriage
Press
Aktuelle Leseempfehlung:
11.12.2023 General-Anzeiger Bonn: “Weekly encounters with forced marriage”
