Author: Tahirih Justice Center

Published: November 8th, 2016

Child marriage remains a serious problem in present-day America that has devastating, lifelong consequences. Read this backgrounder to learn more about the prevalence of child marriage in the United States, the laws that allow it to persist, and the ways in which it denies young people the opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

Author: Tahirih Justice Center

Publication: November 18, 2016

Updated: July 1, 2019

This chart, which was developed by the Tahirih Justice Center with pro bono assistance from Hogan Lovells US LLP, serves as a resource for understanding the state legal regimes that permit child marriages to happen in the United States. It is an eye-opening compilation of all 50 states’ laws on minimum marriage age and exceptions that among other things, highlights how many states set which age “floors” for marriages. Originally published in 2016, it has been updated to reflect reforms passed through July 1, 2019.

Author: Tahirih Justice Center

Publication: June 01, 2016

This report on the June 2016 national consultation on the question of forced marriage criminalization illustrates the complexity of forced marriage cases and details advocates’ diverse perspectives on the potential risks and benefits of making forced marriage a criminal offense in the United States. The meeting was organized by the Forced Marriage Initiative at the Tahirih Justice Center and brought together 30 participants from across the United States.

Author: Tahirih Justice Center

While not all individuals who face forced marriage are also at risk of FGM/C, and not all survivors of FGM/C will experience forced marriage, the two harms can intersect. This resource outlines the intersectionality of forced marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting and shares information on Tahirih Justice Center legal and social services for survivors or those at risk of these forms of harm.

Author: Tahirih Justice Center

This resource, created by the Tahirih Justice Center’s Forced Marriage Initiative, provides advice and guidance for those facing travel overseas where a forced marriage is possible. Individuals are strongly advised to avoid leaving the United States if a forced marriage is possible or imminent as it is extremely challenging to get help overseas. This tip sheet and the accompanying safety planning worksheet will assist those working with individuals at risk of forced marriage to plan in order avoid or prepare for travel overseas.