hmmm, i always question if it is the 'culture' or 'religion' under the name of which such crimes are committed. i personally think that there are political motives behind them. for instance, in some tribes in the sub-continent, girls are married off to holy books. this is justified under the name of so-called tradition or religion. the reality is if the girl is married off to someone outside the family (in most cases she has to), she will have a share in her parents' assets which her husband will claim at some point.

Andrews i agree with you, such matters should be brought to light and discussed.