Legislative change

In the Netherlands, an estimated 450 to 1,700 men and women are trapped in a religious marriage against their will. They do not have the freedom to enter into new relationships or make decisions about their lives. At the moment, there is very little the Dutch courts can do for these people. According to Kruiniger, a legislative amendment should be introduced that requires partners to cooperate with a religious divorce. 'It would be even better if partners made agreements in the marriage contract that would require them to cooperate fully in dissolving the religious marriage if the civil marriage or relationship ends,' says Kruiniger. 'If this is agreed in the marriage contract, at the very least the husband or wife seeking divorce has a written document to take to the court should the partner refuse to cooperate.'

Religion

In her study, the Maastricht attorney examined the specific situation in which someone remains married against his or her will because the religious doctrine does not condone divorce. In some religions, like Catholicism, divorce is not an option. In other religions, divorce is strongly discouraged and if condoned at all, there are strict rules that require the cooperation of the partner. If the partner refuses, the religious marriage cannot be dissolved. 'This problem can be seen in all religions,' says Kruiniger. 'Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, Hinduism and Islam. And it doesn't only affect women; men can become trapped in a forced marriage as well.' The threshold to go to court is relatively high at the moment, as many victims fear it will escalate the situation. 'Victims of 'marital captivity' should be better informed of the protective measures in place to ensure their safety,' says Kruiniger. 'As it stands now, many fear for their own safety or the safety of their children. Partly for this reason, there has never been a conviction for 'marital captivity' since it was made punishable by law in 2013.'