Research conducted by the Tahirih Justice Center and other child marriage advocates found that between 2000 and 2018, over 300,000 children married across the United States. Tahirih is uniquely situated at the intersection of immigration and gender-based violence to address complex factors that made my child marriage possible. Tahirih's work to change the marriage and immigration laws in the U.S. is so critical to protect young girls from experiencing the harm.
Everyone has the right to choose whether, when, and whom to marry. But across the United States, thousands of individuals may face forced marriages each year, with serious consequences. Children are especially vulnerable to forced marriage and the data is clear: Child marriage is a problem right here in the United States. Forced marriage victims may suffer severe and lifelong harm, including physical and mental health issues, barriers to education, and domestic violence and rape.
The Forced Marriage Initiative at Tahirih Justice Center is available to offer support regardless of age, race, class, gender, immigration status, nationality, sexual orientation, or religion. We discuss individuals rights and options, guide each individual through steps they can take to keep safe, and help them find resources in their area, including emergency shelter, legal services, counseling, and other forms of assistance.
Victims of forced marriage face severe and lifelong consequences, including physical, sexual, and economic abuse, medical and mental health problems, denial of education, and a loss of freedom to choose and make their own futures. Forced marriage is an issue that can impact individuals of any gender, age, religion, or cultural background, and our data shows cases among families and communities from at least 56 different countries.
