Within the community, women are subject to powerful traditional practices such as izzat (honour)
and sharam (shame). Women are expected to uphold the honour of the family by conforming to
certain prescribed roles, as the dutiful and obedient wife and daughter, who accepts or tolerates
domestic violence rather than leave home. Failure to do so results in being treated as a social
outcast by their extended family and wider community. They are accused of having brought
shame on their family honour and are ostracised, harassed and even subject to acts of violence.
In "honour killings" for instance, minority women may be killed by family or community members.
These killings or other honour crimes such as assaults and abuse are justified as punishment for
having brought shame on the honour of the family and that of the wider community.
Forced marriage and restrictions on lifestyle
Many young Asian women and girls may experience forced marriage, which is different from an
arranged marriage. An arranged marriage is where there is free and valid consent of both parties.
A forced marriage is where there is any duress, whether physical or mental, to marry without the
free and valid consent of one or both parties. Duress can involve anything from emotional and
social pressures, to assaults, threatening behaviour, imprisonment, abduction and in a few extreme
cases, suicide and murder. Abduction can involve deceiving or forcing a woman or girl to go abroad,
such as to the Indian Sub-Continent, and subject them to forced marriage and other abuses once
they arrive. Most cases involve subtle social and emotional pressures to marry against your will.
Restrictions on lifestyle is controlling behaviour by the abuser, such as parents, husbands, in-laws
and other family members, which seeks to impose social isolation, imprisonment and limitations on
freedom to socialise or associate with others, form sexual relationships, exercise the right to choose
dress and deny educational or career opportunities. Forced marriage and restrictions on lifestyle are
imposed on Asian and other minority women because of the need to control female sexuality and
preserve family honour.
"Does Asian culture allow for domestic violence to become more prevalent then in other cultures? Why do you think that is?...".
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