Webinar: Forced Marriage in the United States: A Training for Victim Services Providers in Rural Communities

Forced marriage can have devastating and lasting impacts on a person’s life. Victims are often subjected to—or living in fear of—abuse by multiple perpetrators, who are typically close family members. While forced marriage is itself a form of violence, it rarely occurs in isolation. It is commonly accompanied by other forms of gender-based abuse, including domestic violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking. Despite these risks, individuals facing forced marriage often have little to no concrete evidence—only a strong sense of how marriage is arranged in their family or community, or a suspicion of what may be planned for them.

This webinar will provide an overview of forced marriage in the United States, then delve into the overlapping forms of violence that those at risk may experience. Through case scenarios and guided discussion, participants will explore both the challenges and opportunities for creative, survivor-centered advocacy—particularly in rural settings. Attendees will gain tools to support real-time prevention efforts, with a focus on the importance of careful planning during intervention.