Talk:Bride kidnapping/Archive 1

Disputed
The following revision I feel is inaccurate, here. What I have a problem with is this part:
 * The mechanism is simple and brutal. The man kidnaps the woman and rapes her, and she is then considered to be hi his wife.

This is not how it works in at least Kyrgyzstan. There they kidnap the bride and take her back to their house and try to convince her to marry through peer pressure. The women of the groom's family are primarily the ones involved. They call up relatives of the bride to try to get them to convince her to stay. There is no rape involved though, and most of the time they let her go if she can not be convinced to marry. I know that this is true of Kyrgyzstan, but also believe it is true of the nearby countries who participate in bride kidnappings. Maybe the rape practice is of Ethiopia and Rwanda? I'm not familiar with the tradition there. I changed the article to show the difference in the practice. Let me know if you know of the rape practice being part of the middle asian tradition in any of those countries. --MateoP 16:10, 11 September 2005 (UTC)

That's an oversimplification. While many families follow the pattern you described, rape is not an uncommon tool in these marriages in Kyrgyzstan. 66.31.246.56 (talk) 04:38, 9 February 2011 (UTC)

Comments on suggestion to merge with Raptio
The moderators have suggested that this article be merged with Raptio I don't agree. Bride Kidnapping is the terminology used in public discourse about it, including articles, documentaries, etc. For the Wikipedia article to be relevant and findable, it should be keep its current title. Thanks! —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.234.193.133 (talk) 03:52, 24 September 2008 (UTC)

Removed material
An anonymous editor (with access to good sources on the Caucasus) has removed the following from the section on Central Asia, with the comment that it is unsourced. That is true, but so is a lot of other material that was not objected to. I thought I would insert it here for the record:
 * Women play an integral role in the process: the success of the kidnapping is dependent on her conduct while she is held hostage. If she truly does not wish to stay, she will not accept the family's advances. She may tell them that she has a boyfriend, or impart to them that she is not a virgin, which still carries a major social stigma.

BrainyBabe (talk) 11:13, 24 September 2008 (UTC)

(The above removal actually wasn't me, though I've been the principal editor adding information about the Caucasus, Africa and Asia.) User:ibsensgirl

However, I did delete the following section, having read the source: In some Caucasian kidnappings, the family of the kidnap victim may play a role in the process. For example, her family may be at the man's house, as they know about the kidnapping and encourage their loved one to accept the man as her husband and to stay with him. The woman can still leave the house, but her family usually does everything in their power to convince the girl to stay. The reason for this is that as women get older, the culture sees them as less desirable. Therefore, the family has no idea if she will still be able to find a husband if she does not accept this man.

The article mostly concerns kidnapping in literature and has the most superficial of treatments of history. The information presented is definitely not in the article, the abstract of which is pasted below. However, I did know that some of the removed information was true from other sources I had read, so I adapted the sentence to conform with and be cited to the correct sources. ABSTRACT Beginning with a fabled narrative poem by Aleksandr Pushkin from 1822 entitled “Prisoner of the Caucasus,” this article is an exploration of how the idiom of kidnapping—in the ritual seizure, taking, and most importantly, giving of bodies across perceived cultural lines—has been central to Russians’ understanding of their troubled relations with the mountainous land holdings to their south for over 200 years. By juxtaposing classic ethnographic sources on Caucasian bride-kidnapping and the hostage taking of military figures as proxies in ritualized violence, alongside multiple renderings of Pushkin’s “good prisoner” story in poetry, prose, opera, ballet, and film, these seemingly apolitical artifacts of Russian popular culture work to generate a powerful symbolic economy of Russian belonging in the Caucasus Mountains. [Russia, Caucasus, kidnapping, gift, popular culture] —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ibsensgirl (talk • contribs) 21:55, 25 September 2008 (UTC)

Suggestion: Move the first section on ritual to a myth section
I've been looking for a citation to confirm the following statement that has been lurking up at the top of the article: "According to some sources, the honeymoon is a relic of marriage by capture, based on the practice of the husband going into hiding with his wife to avoid reprisals from her relatives, with the intention that the woman would be pregnant by the end of the month.[citation needed]"

I have found both refutations and support of that claim. For example, in Edward Westermarck's The History of Human Marriage (Published by Allerton Book Co., 1922), he writes this theory that though several marriage customs are listed as originating in the custom of marriage by capture -- including lifting the bride over the doorstep, the use of rings, and the honeymoon -- "none of [these customs] has the faintest claim to be any way associated with marriage by capture." p. 277.

The refutations, read as slightly more credible. Regardless, I don't think the lead paragraph is the best place for the material. I suggest moving it to a myth section.

Ibsensgirl (talk) 02:49, 29 September 2008 (UTC)Ibsensgirl


 * Fine by me. But I am intrigued by the modern Chinese adaptation of qiangqin (abduction, not honeymoon). It is hardly a scholarly source, but if you search for the term on YouTube, you'll see wedding videos in which the groom and his friends in their tuxes come and "grab" the bride in her white dress from her group of friends, to much shrieking and giggling and pretend struggling. This sort of cultural adaptation is a fascinating link to the past.  BrainyBabe (talk) 08:13, 29 September 2008 (UTC)


 * I agree -- very interesting. Perhaps all could be merged in a Rituals section? Ibsensgirl (talk) 19:22, 29 September 2008 (UTC)


 * Mmm. Perhaps. Difficulties: to find scholarly sources of these modern qiangqin or other customs.  Title of section: "Rituals" sounds insignificant or a pleasant habit, whereas rituals are not necessarily (e.g. bris, hazing, church services).  Rituals are not necessarily empty gestures. BrainyBabe (talk) 12:11, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

Slavic data
I have rewritten this recently added section, adding no material but improving the style and adding wikilinks:
 * Bride kidnapping was witnessed in East Slavic tribes, predecessor tribes to the Russian state, in the eleventh century, where various of its traditions were documented by Russian monk Nestor. According to his Chronicles, the Drevlian tribe captured wives non-consensually, whereas the Radimich, Viatich, and Sever tribes "captured" their wives after having come to an agreement about marriage with them. The clergy's increase in influence may have helped the custom to abate.

The source given is from 1890. Apparently the view of modern scholarlship is that Nestor the Chronicler didn't write everything himself. The text inserted said "According to Nestor's Chronicles", which I wikified as Primary Chronicle, which seems the most reasonable guess. Can anyone improve this? BrainyBabe (talk) 08:18, 29 September 2008 (UTC)

How to raise this page from start-class
A good question. This article is within the scope of three WikiProjects: Central Asia, Africa, and Feminism. It could legitmately be added to others, and that might draw more energy here too.

You can visit the assessment pages, e.g. WikiProject Central Asia/Assessment, and request a change to the status of the article (currently, start-class). However, many projects are not very active, or even dead -- check out their talkpage, and the date on the most recent requests. It is entirely in order to "ping" the individuals who you think might have an interest -- no indiscrimate spamming, but just a polite note on a user talkpage, saying "I see you used to be interested in X. Article Y is currently undergoing something of an overhaul. Would you be able to have a look and comment on Z?"

My understanding is that anyone can change the status -- however, for an editor who has been heavily involved in the article to do so is, in my view, a break of wikiquette.

There are comprehensive guides to improving articles; see, e.g. the latter half of How_to_write_a_great_article, and the guides and tips that link from there.

I have another and somewhat brutal idea, given my limited time and Ibsengirl's energy and resources -- that I go through and tag it with visible and hidden criticism, saying where I think the socks need pulling up. (not today though...)

This article is becoming something to be proud of! BrainyBabe (talk) 12:47, 30 September 2008 (UTC)

remove image
I don't think this image should be up at the top. The whole discussion re the proposed merger with raptio was about separating the concepts, and it is important that the top image reflect what makes bride kidnapping distinct, namely that it is current. It would fit well in the history section, but that is relatively brief and already has the Rape of the Sabines, which is visually more appealing, being a colour oil painting. Two images would swamp the paragraph, so I think this one has to sit it out. BrainyBabe (talk) 20:14, 30 September 2008 (UTC)


 * That's fine with me. It is a little difficult to find appropriate pictures for the page, given ethical problems of portraying general weddings or brides in the country (which would then imply that they were bride kidnapped). Also, pictures of actual kidnappings would raise further problems, both of finding the pictures that are in the public domain and whether it would be appropriate to display them. If anyone finds something good in the picture realm, please post it! One idea that I thought of: the wedding scarf in Kyrgyzstan. Ibsensgirl (talk) 22:43, 30 September 2008 (UTC)


 * Yes, I hate removing material that someone has gone to the trouble to find or create, so thanks for understanding. I have one of those scarves myself, white nylon with discreet flowers.  Good idea!  Or what about a publicity still from the Lom documentary? BrainyBabe (talk) 23:45, 30 September 2008 (UTC)


 * Interesting idea. Do you think we'd have a copyright problem with a publicity still from the documentary? They have excellent pictures. Thanks. Ibsensgirl (talk) 01:30, 1 October 2008 (UTC)


 * I've not gone through the process, but you could start here and see how far you get. My instinct tells me that publicity stills are public domain -- publicity is to reach the public, right? -- but you might find a policy statement that says you should still get clearance by writing to the image holder. If so, there's bound to be a boilerplate text provided for use.  Good luck; I'm out of my depth on this one! BrainyBabe (talk) 02:11, 1 October 2008 (UTC)

Image copyright problem with Image:Plennitsa.jpg
The image Image:Plennitsa.jpg is used in this article under a claim of fair use, but it does not have an adequate explanation for why it meets the requirements for such images when used here. In particular, for each page the image is used on, it must have an explanation linking to that page which explains why it needs to be used on that page. Please check


 * That there is a non-free use rationale on the image's description page for the use in this article.
 * That this article is linked to from the image description page.

This is an automated notice by FairuseBot. For assistance on the image use policy, see Media copyright questions. --20:44, 1 October 2008 (UTC)


 * I removed the image for now, because it seems that it doesn't meet the fair use rationale. I really don't think it's commentary ON the film. Ibsensgirl (talk) 02:34, 2 October 2008 (UTC)

Sicily
I can't see a mention of Sicily, where it weas very common into the 20th century. Johnbod (talk) 00:35, 2 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Do you have any more info on this? BrainyBabe (talk) 05:42, 2 October 2008 (UTC)
 * This may be confirmed in SUSAN BROWNMILLER, AGAINST OUR WILL: MEN, WOMEN AND RAPE 17-18, 286-287 (1975). (This is from a citation in the Rimonte article.) I haven't looked at the Brownmiller book, so I haven't put any information in on that topic, nor have I yet found other mentions, though I will keep my eye out. Ibsensgirl (talk) 00:32, 6 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Yes, sorry I had a quick look but couldn't find anything - I can't remember the Italian word for it. Johnbod (talk) 00:50, 6 October 2008 (UTC)
 * If anyone speaks Italian Fuitina is the concept - in theory an elopement or "agreed" abduction, but evidently not always. Franca Viola is a famous 1966 case - the first Sicilian girl to refuse to marry the guy subsequently, after 8 days captive; he got 10yrs in jail. Article, not very well translated, here  Johnbod (talk) 14:35, 24 October 2008 (UTC)

Armenia
I've found confirmation that bride-kidnapping occurs in Armenia in two sources. One, the rather cursory source that it is currently cited to, and the other one in :Bride kidnapping tradition on the rise in North Caucasus, http://en.rian.ru/society/20071016/84145392.html. It's really not enough information for more than what is currently there. Does anyone have more complete information on the topic? Otherwise, I think we may have to delete its full section heading, or merge it with Georgia or Azerbaijan. I welcome any input on the topic. Ibsensgirl (talk) 01:18, 6 October 2008 (UTC)
 * You could simply mention the country, with its reference, in the Caucasus intro paragraph, and delete the one-sentence section. BrainyBabe (talk) 14:26, 6 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Okay, it's done. Ibsensgirl (talk) 19:14, 6 October 2008 (UTC)

Integrate Ala kachuu
This article goes from strength to strength! Would you care to integrate the dangling section on Ala kachuu? It has its own article as well, Ala kachuu, but it doesn't say much. My understanding is that it is the Kyrgyz term, but the transliteration shows how close it is to the Kazakh version. The description of the process that has just been added (ie the Kazakh section) could have been written for Kyrgyzstan. BrainyBabe (talk) 20:02, 7 October 2008 (UTC)


 * I know, it's now inconsistent with the majority of the article. I find it easier to write from scratch and feel bad removing other people's texts. I think the following sources could be used to integrate: http://faculty.philau.edu/kleinbachr/ala_kachuu.htm. Russell Kleinbach is one of the most prolific scholars on ala kachuu and bride kidnapping in Kyrgyzstan. One of the strengths of the ala kachuu section now is that it discusses the frequency of the event, and its normalization in the culture. I was hoping to incorporate some of that into the Kyrgyz, but haven't yet. The Handrahan piece also discusses relevant sections. I'll see. I've fallen a little behind on my schoolwork.


 * One other section that needs improvement are the Background and Rationale section. The second part (the one I didn't write from scratch) is still undersourced. It's interesting, though, and not necessarily inconsistent with what I've read. The Barbara Ayres article might be a good source to improve it, though controversial. Ibsensgirl (talk) 03:44, 8 October 2008 (UTC)


 * You are on the right track for all of this. I am not going to be writing anything for this article any time soon, but am happy to guide. Perhaps you have classmates, or other scholars you know online, who may wish to contribute? Don't get overburdened and risk burnout!
 * By the way, the phrase "Some experts think" is often used as waffle, but if it genuinely covers a debate in the field, there should be no problem sourcing it, and adding the references to the sentence or indeed the phrase. It is not the words themselves that are problematic but the wooliness they can mask. BrainyBabe (talk) 18:08, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

The "In television" Section
What does everyone here think of the "In Television" Section. I am unsure about how it relates to bride-kidnapping. Does anyone have more information to develop its relevance? Alternatively, should we delete it? Thank you! Ibsensgirl (talk) 14:56, 8 October 2008 (UTC)
 * I know nothing about the TV comedy series mentioned to, but would note that the activity of door-to-door peg-selling is one that used to be performed by gypsies in England. (And, BTW, I have met gypsies who use that term for self-identification, so the correct term of reference is not simple.) So it appears that the series is alluding to gypsies as having a custom of bride kidnap -- in other words, the idea had entered popular culture.
 * On first glance, the TV & film sections could be re-divided into comedy and documentary -- but that doesn't quite work. I don't know about the Italian film, for example. The information should not be deleted, in my opinion, though the section may well not need to exist.BrainyBabe (talk) 18:04, 8 October 2008 (UTC)

Bride Kidnapping To Do List
[I was looking at today's Featured Article (on otters) and it had an article to do list. I thought it might be useful for this page too. (Many are just notes to self.) Please add anything you'd like to this list, or dispute anything on it! Thanks for your collaboration.] Ibsensgirl (talk) 00:37, 24 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Moved to newly created "to do" template at top of talkpage. BrainyBabe (talk) 19:23, 29 October 2008 (UTC)
 * Thanks! Ibsensgirl (talk) 01:44, 30 October 2008 (UTC)

Mediterannean
The stealing of Helen of Troy is not the best example, since according to some ancient sources she left willingly and according to some others she was forced to go with Paris, so she stayed in Egypt. According to Homer Helen is not depicted at all as a prisoner trying to escape. The abduction of Europa by Zeus is a much better example and in the first book of Herodotus (1-5) you can find a list of better examples of this custom in the mediterannean area. It should be mentioned that in classical antiquity kidnapping brides wasn't at all a common practice and it wasn't acceptable (see also Herodotus Book 1, 4). According to Solon laws, not only rape but even the seduction of a free woman was considered to be a criminal act. It is certain though that the custom of kidnapping the bride existed in much earlier times, as indicated by many myths and also by the spartan's marriage customs. Elvira2674 (talk) 10:18, 29 October 2008 (UTC)
 * I think the legend of Helen of Troy is a fascinating case, as it exemplifies the ambiguities inherent in the modern practice of bride kidnapping. Did she leave willingly, did she accept what she saw as her fate, or did she fight against being stolen?  We cannot know, but we can say that the marriage took place without the consent of the man whose "property" she was, and thus falls broadly within the scope of this article. Not every woman kidnapped today can be assumed to react as "a prisoner trying to escape". You will find much more detailed explanations of Helen's era at raptio, which deals with the historical equivalents and parallels. You may wish to add your references there.  BrainyBabe (talk) 18:32, 29 October 2008 (UTC)

Mexican group
"and Zapotec of Juchitan" - I've removed this recent addition, as it has no source. With a reference, it would be valuable. BrainyBabe (talk) 18:49, 13 November 2008 (UTC)

Addition of sexual violence template
User:SasiSasi has added the sexual violence template to this article. I can see the strong link between the topics, but am not sure it is quite right to include it. There are plenty of bride kidnappings taking place that do not involve sexual violence or physical harm. Maybe it is like prostitution -- a lot of it involves sexual violence, but it is an overstatement to think that all of it falls within that domain. Any thoughts? BrainyBabe (talk) 16:29, 14 November 2008 (UTC)
 * I think it fits as much as some of the other topics that are listed as section violence, such as domestic violence and genital mutilation. Domestic violence particularly: it CAN include rape, but is often emotional or non-sexual physical abuse. It is intimate abuse. Similarly, bride kidnapping CAN include rape, but is an intimate abuse that may not include sex. I think the topic categorization is acceptable. (Plus it gives us a graphic.) Ibsensgirl (talk) 19:45, 15 November 2008 (UTC)

definition in lede
Some time ago the wording which included "BK is a form of marriage" was removed: I liked the direct link, but did not oppose the change. Now we have another well-intentioned rewording, but I find "a man abducts his intended wife either nonconsensually or consensually" cumbersome. I would say "with or without her consent" -- but then is it technically possible to abduct someone with their consent? I think this sentence needs to be rethought. BrainyBabe (talk) 21:52, 8 December 2008 (UTC)


 * The term "nonconsensual" is persistent throughout the bride kidnapping scholarly literature. See, e.g., Kleinbach, 2007: "Thus while the non-consensual kidnapping of a bride is obviously an act of male dominance, the fact that such a small percentage of parents support the act before it happens suggests that this is not an ‘ethnic ritual embedded in patriarchal daily life’,25 as the patriarchal tradition is for there to be a marriage arranged, or at least approved beforehand, by the two family patriarchs." This meaning distinguishes "staged" kidnapping (where a boyfriend and girlfriend essentially elope) from genuine kidnapping. Both are prevalent throughout Central Asia and the Caucasus: the distinction is an an important one. I did not make the first change, but I think it is good, because the kidnapping is not a marriage in itself, but rather a practice that leads to marriage. With or without consent is fine, but nonconsensual is consistent with the literature about bride kidnapping.  Happy New Year, all! Ibsensgirl (talk) 16:09, 1 January 2009 (UTC)


 * I propose rewriting the first sentence to make the importance of the subject clearer, with its geographic and historic scope. The ideas re consent could fit later in the paragraph. An encyclopedia needs to keep abreast of academic consensus, but it need not use their phraseology - we are writing for the general public, not specialists. How about:
 * Bride kidnapping, also known as marriage by abduction or marriage by capture, is a practice throughout history and around the world in which a man abducts the woman he wishes to marry. Bride kidnapping still occurs in countries spanning Central Asia, the Caucasus region, parts of Africa, and among the Hmong in southeast Asia, the Tzeltal in Mexico, and the Romani in Europe. In most countries, bride kidnapping is considered a sex crime, rather than a valid form of marriage. Some versions of it may also be seen as falling along the continuum between forced marriage and arranged marriage. The term is sometimes used to include not only abductions, but also elopements, in which a couple runs away together and seeks the consent of their parents later; these may be referred to as nonconsensual and consensual abductions respectively.
 * BrainyBabe (talk) 10:50, 9 January 2009 (UTC)


 * This revision looks good to me. For simplicity, we could consider either deleting the words "throughout history and around the world", but I'm fine with either option. Thanks! Ibsensgirl (talk) 21:47, 9 January 2009 (UTC)


 * Done, with some other minor modification. Kept the phrase above for now. BrainyBabe (talk) 22:05, 9 January 2009 (UTC)

Non-verifiable material in Background and Rationale Section
Hello all. I've been researching the "Background and Rationale" Section for the Bride Kidnapping page. I haven't yet been able to find ANY support for these two sentences pasted below, only literature contradicting them. I'm putting them here for now. Can you find anything that supports them? If not, let's keep them deleted. Thanks so much for your thoughts.

"Paradoxically, being "kidnapped" might also be in the interests of the woman in such societies, as her role in the society would preclude her from choosing a husband for herself, at the risk of being disowned or even killed (see honor killing). It may also be the only socially acceptable way for her to become a mother, a desirable and highly prized status for many women." Ibsensgirl (talk) 15:51, 23 January 2009 (UTC)


 * "All" is mostly the two of us! And "almost all" of the work is being done by you! Congrats again on all the refs you've dug up.  I think I may have been the one who wrote those sentences originally, trying to synthesise previous material in a more understandable format.  If your extensive reading has found nothing to support them, then I bow to your informed judgement. Leave them here. BrainyBabe (talk) 15:42, 26 January 2009 (UTC)

New photo
Amazing work on the refs! The photo is historically interesting, but I still think it would be better to have a modern-day one. But that's a quibble compared to how the article has expanded, and so meticulously documented. BrainyBabe (talk) 17:34, 23 January 2009 (UTC)
 * If you can find a better photo, I heartily welcome it. I've looked for a long time and have found nothing. Thanks! Ibsensgirl (talk) 19:14, 23 January 2009 (UTC)
 * I forget where you got to with using a still from the PBS (or other) documentary. Was there a Wikipedia objection, or a technical problem? BrainyBabe (talk) 15:43, 26 January 2009 (UTC)
 * As far as I understand, you can't use publicity stills for copyright reasons unless you are critically analyzing the film. Ibsensgirl (talk) 15:35, 27 January 2009 (UTC)

New "See Also"
Hi BrainyBabe (or anyone else interested),

This was just added as a see also: Mormon sex in chains case. I don't think it's quite right as a see also. It involves an abduction, to be sure, but isn't symptomatic of a larger cultural tradition, nor an abduction that ended in marriage. I'm trying to avoid unilateral deletions, but unless anyone objects, I'll delete it.

Thanks, Ibsensgirl (talk) 22:23, 23 February 2009 (UTC)


 * I put it there, in a way as anti-culture. She (allegedly) kidnapped him to make him marry her, if you read the press coverage.  I'm easy either way if you delete it.  Fiddle Faddle (talk) 22:37, 23 February 2009 (UTC)


 * I've gone back and forth on this one, but on the whole agree it should go. Many abductions have warped sexual/romantic/stalker motives. If it doesn't end in marriage, it doesn't fit. If it doesn't fit a cultural norm, it doesn't fit. BrainyBabe (talk) 02:19, 24 February 2009 (UTC)


 * Rather than "simply deleting it", please lose it from here with pleasure, but might I ask that you add it to more appropriate places? I'm not sure, quite, where is relevant, but you may have inspiration that I do not.  Fiddle Faddle (talk) 09:43, 24 February 2009 (UTC)


 * Maybe male rape? BrainyBabe (talk) 14:43, 24 February 2009 (UTC)


 * Already done. :)  Fiddle Faddle (talk) 15:30, 24 February 2009 (UTC)

Two questions
For the record, this is a really interesting article, but there are some things which I need to ask and which I feel should be included in the article: Thank you. 82.35.130.44 (talk) 22:52, 9 April 2009 (UTC)
 * 1) What IS the legal situation of bride kidnapping in Kazakhstan? Is it illegal and if so, is it still commonplace like it is in Kyrgyzstan?
 * 2) According to the article bride kidnappings take place in the Karakalpakstan region of Uzbekistan. So does it not take place in the rest of the country? And if it indeed doesn't, then is there any particular reason why?


 * Hi there, Thanks for your interest.
 * Re: Kazakhstan, Cynthia Werner, an anthropology professor, is hands down the best source on all-things bride-kidnapping in Kazakhstan. I don't have the book with her article in it with me right now, but here's a short policy brief she wrote on the topic: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?topic_id=1424&fuseaction=topics.publications&doc_id=8661&group_id=8378. It's not explicit about whether BK is directly illegal in Kazakhstan, but I do know that the following things are illegal: 1) human trafficking; 2) Kidnapping (Article 125, Article 126: Illicit deprivation of liberty); and 3) Rape (Article 120: Rape, Article 121: Violent acts of a sexual nature, Article 122: Sexual intercourse and any acts of a sexual nature with persons not yet 16 years of age, Article 123: By way of force - sexual intercourse, sodomy, lesbianism, or any acts of a sexual nature). Source here: http://www.legislationline.org/topics/country/21/topic/14. It is still relatively common, and enforcement is lax. Cynthia Werner has the following analysis: "[She recommends that interested parties] Encourage changes in the legal process. First, the legal system could be persuaded to do more to discourage this problem. Right now, most young women do not feel the local court system would help them. At the same time, young men feel confident that they can get away with this crime. The international community could support local NGO outreach programs that pressure local law enforcement officials and judges to take this crime more seriously.http://www.wilsoncenter.org/index.cfm?topic_id=1424&fuseaction=topics.publications&doc_id=8661&group_id=8378"


 * Re: Uzbekistan. The sources I've found have only indicated BK in Karapakalstan. It's a culturally distinct area of the country, so could be just custom. I haven't conclusively heard that it doesn't take place elsewhere in Uzbekistan, but I'm trying to be careful not to overstate claims. The source(s?) I pulled this from are in the footnotes.


 * I hope this was helpful. Thanks for your interest. Ibsensgirl (talk) 00:05, 11 April 2009 (UTC)

Source re Ethiopia
Johann Hari of The Independent has been to Ethiopia to report on the situation there. BrainyBabe (talk) 18:13, 23 March 2010 (UTC)

Good-faith addition
I removed this as unsourced:
 * Also, it is possible that the Rape of Dinah was actually a case of abduction marriage.

If a source can be found, please feel free to re-add. BrainyBabe (talk) 20:11, 26 March 2010 (UTC)

Terminology
Excluding the title of the entry itself, shouldn't the women being referred to in this entry be termed "captives" or "victims"? —Preceding unsigned comment added by Ari diary (talk • contribs) 05:08, 8 July 2010 (UTC)

azerbaijan
''There, she may be raped. Regardless of whether a rape occurs or not, the woman is generally regarded as impure''

this is ridiculous. here it sounds as if it is part of tradition where it never has been. it is not accepted in folklore. so it is not tradition but sin. --ArazZeynili (talk) 10:07, 9 July 2010 (UTC)


 * The article provides the following sources, at the footnotes currently numbered 67-70.
 * Farideh Heyat, Azeri Women in Transition: Women in Soviet and Post-Soviet Azerbaijan (Routledge 2002), p. 63.
 * Azeri Bride Kidnappers Risk Heavy Sentences,
 * U.S. State Department, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2006, Azerbaijan,
 * Would you be in a position to contribute any other academically verifiable information?
 * BrainyBabe (talk) 18:51, 14 July 2010 (UTC)

"Bride kidnapping is a traditional Romani practice"
This claim has appeared in multiple articles related to the Romani people; it is always pasted verbatim from whatever the original entry might have been, and each time uses only the single source of Henry McDonald, in various forms. There is not a single page within the entirety of the internet that refers to bride kidnapping as being part of "traditional" Romani culture that does not have Mr. McDonald's name somehow associated with it, and for the most part the sole source of that claim is the very Guardian article that has been repeatedly cited to back up this claim. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.215.134.188 (talk) 21:26, 7 August 2010 (UTC)
 * "In Slovakia, bride kidnapping was said to be an issue in certain communities..." Building the Capacities of Roma Communities to Prevent Trafficking in Human Beings, from the section on bride kidnapping. It's small but it's there. BrainyBabe (talk) 23:33, 29 November 2010 (UTC)