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muslim girl and leaving home

Hey, I am a muslim girl who is 20 years old, I have a boyfriend of nearly 3 years. I was meant to start adult nursing in 3 months time at teesside university however my parents have stopped me from going to uni/working because I rejected a marriage proposal. I am not being kept indoors and not even allowed out of the house, my family don't accept my boyfriend as he is bengali and I am pakistani. I am thinking about moving away to bradford to start a different uni course as I won't be able to do nursing here, I wish to get married to my boyfriend when I move and live in a student accommodation until I move into his house. He is really nice and genuine, he has an amazing personality and has stood by me in getting my uni course and everything sorted at bradford. Right now I don't know what to do. I just need some advice as my parents are not allowing me to gowork/uni, they're not allowing me to do anything and they want me to go back to pakistan in 2 months time to get married to somebody, my parents have verbally and physically abused me several timestoo. I need some advice please

Reply 1

Jo from AVA

Hi

Thank you for your message. It sounds like you are having a very difficult time. I am glad you have got in touch.

It is great that you have a supportive boyfriend, and I can understand you wanting to move away to Uni. If your parents are keeping you in the house, I am wondering how you are able to arrange this? Also, there is a really good helpline that I would like you to try to ring, do you have access to a phone?
This is the number for the helpline and they specialise in helping people at risk of forced marriage:

0800 5999 247

http://www.karmanirvana.org.uk/component/content/article/30-what-is/73-forced-marriage.html

this is another great organisation who can help you and they also have a helpline (0208 571 0800)

http://www.southallblacksisters.org.uk/services/

Is there anyone else who knows about what is going on for you? Any other family members you can trust, or any friends? I think it is very important that you contact the helpline above, especially if your family want to take you to Pakistan to be married in 2 months. There is lots of support out there and it is your right to be safe and to not be forced into a marriage.

Please contact me if you need any more support or advice,
take care
Jo