As advocates working to end forced marriage in the United States, we are very familiar with the many misconceptions about the issue. Even among other anti-violence advocates, forced marriage remains under-recognized and poorly understood.

With spring in full bloom across the country, we know that wedding season is near.

And while this can be a thrilling time to celebrate life’s precious moments with their family and friends, for some, the return of the wedding season can be tied to the trauma of sexual assault and serve as a trigger for individuals who have been forced to marry.

It’s that time of year again! The stores are filled with heart-shaped chocolate candy boxes, teddy bears, balloons, and flowers in every checkout lane. Street vendors are out with their customizable baskets, and social media is filled with ads […]

By: Forced Marriage Initiative Project Associate, Hellitz Villegas Our clients have been deeply impacted by the pandemic. The majority of our clients face harm from their parents, siblings, or other […]

The Independent spoke to Tahirih Senior Counsel for Policy and Strategy, Jeanne Smoot, on how girls and young women continue to be at-risk for child marriage due to weak state […]

WUSA9 highlights Maryland’s efforts to improve protections for women and girls at risk of child marriage and related harms in Maryland. The article features Tahirih Senior Counsel for Public Policy […]

The StarTribune reported on Minnesota’s push to pass child marriage reforms, citing the Tahirih Justice Center’s research on the effects of child marriage in the article. The consequences of underage […]