This document provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and responding to cases of forced marriage. The Framework includes tips for screening for forced marriages, how to incorporate forced marriage into standard intake processes, information on safety planning and relocation, tips for handling cases that involve travel out of the country, tips for family mapping and working with minors, and information about the intersection of forced marriage with female genital mutilation/cutting.

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.

Authors: Avanda Adhia et al.

Publication: January, 2020

This report, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health, examines the availability of civil protection orders to minors in dating relationships across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The authors find that while 48 states allow minors to obtain CPOs, only 14 states explicitly allow them to file for a protection order on their own behalf. Read more.

Authors: Michele Zaman and Alissa Koski

Publication: March 3, 2020

Researchers systematically reviewed existing academic literature and news media to learn what is known about the frequency of child marriage in Canada, and its effects on health. A review of population data showed that approximately 1% of all Canadian teens aged 15-19 were married or in a common law union in 2016. Read more.