Bride kidnapping

Evariste-Vital Luminais - Pirates normands au IXe siècle

Schnorr von Carolsfeld Bibel in Bildern 1860 083

Central Asia political

UZ-Karakalpakstan

Mexico states chiapas

Johann Moritz Rugendas-el rapto

Bride kidnapping, also known as marriage by abduction or marriage by capture, is a practice in which a man abducts the woman he wishes to marry. Bride kidnapping has been practiced around the world and throughout history. It continues to occur in countries in Central Asia, the Caucasus region, and parts of Africa, and among peoples as diverse as the Hmong in Southeast Asia, the Tzeltal in Mexico, and the Romani in Europe.

Overview

Bride kidnapping varies greatly around the world, in terms of its frequency, its acceptance by society, and its legal status. In many cases, bride kidnapping is considered a sex crime rather than a valid form of marriage. Some forms of it may also be seen as falling along the continuum of forced marriage. In many jurisdictions, this practice is illegal, yet it continues to be practiced, and laws are not always enforced.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, bride kidnapping is considered a traditional and legitimate method for arranging a marriage, often without the need for formal negotiations between families. In these contexts, the act of kidnapping is not always intended to be violent, and in some cases, it is a form of elopement agreed upon in advance by the bride and groom. However, even in such situations, the consent of the bride is often ambiguous or completely absent.

Legal Status

The legal status of bride kidnapping varies by country. In some countries, it is explicitly outlawed, while in others, it is treated as a form of child marriage or Forced marriage. Legal consequences, when they exist, may range from fines to imprisonment, but enforcement of these laws can be lax.

Impact on Victims

The impact of bride kidnapping on the victims can be severe. Women who are kidnapped and forced into marriage often experience domestic abuse, sexual assault, and a loss of personal freedom. The psychological trauma associated with being kidnapped and forced into a marriage can have long-lasting effects, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

International Response

International human rights organizations have condemned bride kidnapping as a violation of women's rights. Efforts to combat this practice include education and empowerment programs for women, legal reform to increase penalties for perpetrators, and campaigns to raise public awareness about the human rights abuses involved in bride kidnapping.

See also

• Forced marriage
• Human trafficking
• Women's rights

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