Child Marriage In Islamic Home

One of the major causes of the prevalence of child marriage is culture, which is a sensitive topic because of the diversity of opinions regarding this topic. Conservatives often justify child marriage by stating that it is accepted in Islamic Law. The girl is deemed legible to marry once she reaches maturity. The child is said to have reached maturity when she goes through puberty by experiencing menstruation. However, some girls experience menstruation earlier than others. These girls are often mentally unprepared for marriage and are still adjusting to adolescence. In fact, girls as young as 8 years old are already being sold off to older men for matrimony. In addition to that, different parties have different interpretations on the Islamic

However, this is not the case for most juvenile partners. According to a report conducted by the Yemen Women National Committee, in 2007, 18 out of 33 rape cases were made against young girls. Sexual abuse is just one of the many types of abuse these women face. A exploratory survey conducted for the International Review of Victimology (2002) states that “55% reported that they had been physically abused; 34% financially victimized; and 17% that they had been the victims of sexual abuse.” out of 120 women from Sana’a, Yemen. “High illiteracy rates, lack of respect for the law, difficult living conditions and income disparities were among the factors responsible for violence against women” (Yemen Women National Committee, 2008). In addition, certain misinterpretations of the Qur’an can be plausible causes of abuse from spouses. Qur’an verse 4:34 instructs husbands to “strike” their wives if they misbehave or if they fear that their wives are disloyal. Resulting to justifying violence if the husband deemed it fit or necessary. The over aggressiveness of partners can cause irrevocable damages to the victim’s physical and mental health. Such damages include injuries, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and in more severe instances, death. To alleviate domestic violence, the government should provide free self-defense classes for women’s protection. Although self-defense will not eradicate domestic violence, it can help women from experiencing much graver injuries and prevent them from getting overpowered by their abusers. Furthermore, the aim of this is solely for self-defense purposes and not to promote, nor condone,