Shattering the Silence Surrounding Forced and Early Marriage in the United States

Date

2012

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Children's Legal Rights Journal

Abstract

This article examines the nature, catalysts, and consequences of forced and early marriage customs; evaluates the efficacy of applicable domestic, foreign, and international laws and remedies; gauges the capacity of minors to meaningfully consent to marriage; analyzes competing theories about whether harmful marriage practices are best addressed through civil or criminal laws; and explores the role of community-led development efforts to spur social change. In order to craft effective, culturally competent solutions, it is essential that U.S. responders gain a nuanced understanding of the catalysts and consequences of harmful marriage customs in the countries of origin of our immigrant communities, where forced and early marriage are mainstream practices, and integrate lessons learned by countries with well-developed forced-marriage protection regimes. For these reasons, this article weaves a global perspective throughout the domestic analysis. (Author Abstract)

Description

Keywords

child abuse, prevention, adolescents, law, marriage culture

Citation

Alanen, J. (2012). Shattering the Silence Surrounding Forced and Early Marriage in the United States. Children's Legal Rights Journal, 32(2), 1-37.

DOI