Author: Lisa V. Martin

Publication: May 30, 2018

This report, published in the Nevada Law Journal, is the first to undertake a detailed evaluation of the viability of civil protection orders to prevent and redress forced marriage in the United States. Although protection orders show promise as a tool to prevent and redress forced marriage in many states, Martin writes, the nuances of the governing legal standards reduce the practical utility of the remedy for those who lack expert guidance. To enhance the accessibility of protection orders in a forced marriage context, Martin recommends that states create a new forced marriage protection order to address the specific needs of those facing this problem.

Author: Laura Vidal
Publication: December 2017

In this report to the Churchill Trust, Laura Vidal showcases learning on the treatment of forced marriage from Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, Denmark, the United States, Canada, and Kenya. From her observations of how the practice is addressed in these countries, Vidal distills a list of best practices and makes recommendations for how Australia can better respond to child, early, and forced marriage.

Author: Council of Europe Steering Committee for Human Rights
Publication: December 2017

The Steering Committee for Human Rights of the Council of Europe has published a report entitled Guide to Good and Promising Practices Aimed at Preventing and Combating Female Genital Mutilation and Forced Marriage. The report is intended to raise awareness of the issues; reinforce National and European legal frameworks and the cooperation between member States; and ensure coherent policies and better implementation of legislative efforts aimed at ending the practices.

Authors: Prof. Aisha K. Gill, Prof. Pamela Cox, Ms. Ruth Weir
Publication: April 2017

This report was written for the Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner in the UK in order to help improve understanding of specialist support needs for survivors of forced marriage, female genital mutilation/cutting FGM/C, and honor-based violence/abuse. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with survivors of forced marriage and honor-based abuse as well as multi-agency practitioners working with survivors in the UK. Main findings include: the need for increased training and specialized services to address dynamics unique to honor based violence, forced marriage, and FGM/C; suggestions on how to improve cross-agency collaboration; and insight on the significant barriers and risks victims face which contribute to underreporting. Using first person reflections from survivors who engaged with services, the research identifies approaches that contribute supportive responses for survivors. The research also provides recommendations for improving local responses to forced marriage, honor-based violence, and FGM/C.

Author: Tahirih Justice Center

Publication: March 06, 2017

Tahirih submitted this written testimony to the Connecticut General Assembly in support of HB 5442, a bill to eliminate exceptions to age 18 as the minimum legal age to marry. On March 6, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee on Judiciary held a public hearing on HB 5442, which is sponsored by Representatives Michelle Cook and Josh Elliott.