Nontraditional Experiences
In the process of leaving their marriages, survivors reported having had experiences that helped them to draw on their inner strengths. These experiences were unique in that they were outside of their cultural and familial norms.
A Survivor's Story
Coming from an Orthodox Jewish home, an adult forced marriage survivor expressed that there was no place for a single woman in her family or community. Only after the survivor's friend introduced her to a social worker outside of the community did she develop the strength to leave and learn about options outside of her community.
What Service Providers Should Know
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Many survivors come from restrictive households and they have limited access to individuals or institutions outside of their communities that would enable them to live and thrive on their own.
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Seeking help and trying to stop or leave a forced marriage can be extremely traumatic for the survivor.
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Individuals at risk of or attempting to leave a forced marriage often face a difficult choice – refusal to go along with the marriage can result in having to temporarily or permanently cut ties to their family and community.