Authors: Futures Without Violence, Tahirih Justice Center

Published: March 2021

Healthcare providers are a crucial point of contact for survivors and individuals facing forced marriage. Tahirih collaborated with Anisa Ali of Futures Without Violence to create a resource specifically focused on forced marriage to be made available in healthcare settings. This tool is most effective when placed in private areas such as restrooms and exam rooms, and may be given to patients routinely as part of regular visits, or upon disclosure of abuse. Included are definitions of forced marriage and how it differs from arranged marriage, indicators of force, fraud and coercion, information about the health consequences of forced and child marriage, and resources for individuals facing forced marriage to seek support.

When printed, the safety card can be folded to the size of a business card to allow for discretion when sharing it with at-risk patients. It can also be used as a script for providers, and given to the patient as a resource to let them know that Marriage is Your Choice.

Authors: David W. Lawson, Rachel Lynes, Addison Morris, Susan B. Schaffnit

Published: September 23, 2020

This study examined what the public in the United States knows about the issue of child marriage, both worldwide and within the U.S. itself. Researchers discovered significant misconceptions on both fronts, including a widespread and incorrect belief that child marriage was illegal in all 50 states. Read more.

This webinar provides an overview of the nature and scope of forced and child marriage in the United States, with a focus on its manifestation within refugee communities. Viewers will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to effectively screen for and identify the complex and intersecting dynamics faced by survivors of forced and child marriage and how to provide appropriate support within your mandate and when to make timely and effective referrals.

Forced marriage impacts students from all religions, cultural backgrounds, national origins, and economic status. The challenges of detection and disclosure of this form of abuse. The challenges of detection and disclosure of this form of abuse can be complicated by the multiple coercive and manipulative tactics employed by close family and community members.

These dynamics are exacerbated for children under age 18 and youth still reliant on their parents or other family, who are often limited in their ability to self-help without the advocacy of a supportive adult. A school social worker may often be the only individual that a youth at risk of forced marriage has regular access to, making the role of school social workers critical at every level: identification, support and referral, direct intervention, and systems advocacy.

Tahirih is proud to share a webinar recording: Recognizing When Students are Facing Forced Marriage – School Social Workers as a Critical Lifeline. This webinar covers the nature and scope of forced marriage in the United States, common dynamics, warning signs and coping mechanisms, and best practices for identifying individuals at risk and starting a supportive conversation.

During this webinar, the Forced Marriage Initiative and Justice of the Peace Association provide tips for marriage officiants who may encounter cases of forced marriage, child marriage, or human trafficking in the course of their routine business.

Forced and child marriage are significant, yet hidden, problems in the United States that impact women and girls from every socioeconomic status, ethnic and religious background. Victims often face physical and psychological abuse, rape, denial of education and opportunity and minors threatened with forced marriage face increased vulnerability given their significant legal limitations which often restrict their access to services as well as their ability to leave home and seek help and protection. Marriage officiants who encounter forced marriage, child marriage, and human trafficking during their work can play an important role in connecting individuals at risk to the services and support they need to seek safety.