Exploratory Research into the Intersection of Forced Marriage, Intimate Partner Violence, and Sexual Violence: Preliminary findings

• In Event: Exploratory Research into the Intersection of Forced Marriage, Intimate Partner Violence, and Sexual Violence

Abstract

The Urban Institute, in collaboration with the Tahirih Justice Center, is conducting a National Institute of Justice-funded exploratory study to examine forced marriage in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Although forced marriage has been studied internationally, especially in the United Kingdom, there is very little research on this issue in the United States. The study is aimed at understanding the nature and scope of forced marriage in this region and the adequacy of service provider and criminal and civil justice system stakeholder responses to forced marriage. This paper presents preliminary findings from interviews with survivors of forced marriage, individuals who know people who have experienced forced marriage, and justice system stakeholders and service providers who have worked on cases of forced marriage. The findings are aimed to provide insights into the appropriate responses and available resources for identifying and responding to forced marriage cases.

Authors

• Meredith Dank, Urban Institute

• Colleen Owens, Urban Institute