My guilt over that runaway Muslim girl

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She'd run away from a marriage her parents were arranging for her and was prepared to sleep rough rather than live as a domestic drudge with a man who meant nothing to her. She said she was ineligible for housing since she hadn't applied for help in her home borough because she was terrified of being found by a member of her family.

I gave her the number of an Asian women's group along with some money and my phone number, asking her to tell me how she got on. I never heard from her. She was in her early twenties, the same age as my youngest sister. I still feel guilty for not having done more. I should have taken her in a cab to a refuge myself.

I was reminded of this event by the announcement that the Government is launching an online inquiry into forced marriages, asking victims to log on and report their problems. When I think of the young Muslim girl, the initiative seems woefully inadequate.

Such young women find themselves in difficulty because officials refuse to intervene robustly in their communities for fear of causing offence, thus allowing oppressive practices to continue. Rather than an online survey, it would be better if schools in Asian neighbourhoods gave lessons on the rights women have as British citizens - explicitly stating that family coercion is criminal - and informing them of organisations that will help. Without this information, many young women find themselves submitting to an isolated life of abuse. They should know that they are part of our society and will be supported if they demand their independence, and that provision will be made for them if they are forced to run away.

Forced marriages affect everyone. By denying women education, jobs and involvement in British life, the practice entrenches the separatism and poverty of Muslim communities and contributes to the rise of extremism.

We shouldn't tiptoe around cultural sensitivities but resolutely support young British women who simply want to enjoy the freedoms the rest of us take for granted.