A WOMAN in northern Spain has escaped from being forced into an arranged marriage with a man that was 40 years older than her.
Her parents and brother have been arrested by the Policia Nacional in Zaragoza for human trafficking for the purpose of a forced marriage as well as for domestic violence and coercion.
The wedding was being planned overseas in an unnamed country so that the groom could come to live in Spain and gain residency.
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Authorities were called on August 13 about a woman at a shop asking for help after escaping from her family home.
Officers arrived at the business and heard her horrific story about being isolated and controlled by her family for years.
She said her family stopped her from continuing her education when she turned 16.
The woman- of unspecified age- said she was unable to work or leave home on her own, with her raring outings seeing her accompanied by a family member.
She barred from having a mobile phone to eliminate any contact with people and was forced to take care of domestic chores.
The victim faced threats and physical assault if she challenged what was being done to her, and had all her personal documents removed..
Investigations revealed that her family had chosen a man that they wanted her to marry, who was approximately 40 years older than her.
The wedding would happen abroad with the union making it easier for the man to obtain authorisation to live and work legally in Spain.
She continually opposed the marriage but her family insisted that she would be imminently taken out of the country for the ceremony to take place.
With her enforced trip coming soon, she managed to slip out of her home and searched out a trusted friend who had previously offered to help.
They both then contacted the Policia Nacional at a shop.
The woman was then given help and is now staying at a hostel run by an organisation that specialises in victim care.
A court has imposed a protection order to bar her parents and brother from contacting her.
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