This webinar provides an in-depth perspective on challenges that survivors of forced marriage experience. Participants will be able to describe forced and child marriage and its intersections with other forms of abuse, articulate the health impacts of forced and child marriage, and demonstrate an understanding of best practices when it comes to screening and response to survivors and individuals at risk to reduce and prevent future harm in a healthcare setting. Dr. Batool completed a qualitative investigation intended to assess how forced marriages influence women’s physical and psychological well-being. This research provides deep insight on survivor’s experience and overall well-being.

The webinar was funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP), grant number 90ZV0142 and produced by the Tahirih Justice Center. The contents of this webinar are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of HHS.

For more, see our Tip Sheet for Healthcare Providers

Author: Forced Marriage Initiative

Publication: April 2024

This tip sheet provides an overview of forced marriage in the healthcare setting and provides guidance for healthcare providers who may encounter individuals facing a forced marriage. It includes dispelling common myths, an overview of the health impacts, common red flags, and tips on how to screen for and respond to suspected forced marriage cases.

For more information, please click on: Tips for Healthcare Providers

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.