A forced marriage is a marriage that occurs without the permission of one or both parties involved. Granting authorization to marry someone means you have willingly given complete, free and informed consent to marry your prospective spouse. Forced marriages occur when family members and/or other people threaten you with physical or emotional abuse as a way to force you into marrying someone without your agreement. Victims of forced marriages are women and men, as well as girls and boys of any ethnic group, religious, economic, or educational background, gender, age or nationality. Regardless of age or gender, the union can – and will – negatively impact their lives.
Understanding the Differences Between Forced and Arranged Marriages
While on the surface, forced marriages and arranged marriages may seem like one in the same, there are some stark differences between the two. In an arranged marriage, families often play a role selecting the marriage partner, but both individuals have a choice about when to get married if they decide they want to marry at all. A forced marriage occurs when families plan a marriage and deny individual choice. In forced marriages, the option of not marrying the other person is non-existent.
Indicators That Are Present in a Forced Marriage
- You are emotionally distraught that you have no choice on when or whom to marry.
- You show signs of physical or emotional abuse. You may have even been threatened with abandonment.
- You are terrified of the outcome if you say no to the marriage, including enduring physical injury or rejection by your own family.
- You are under surveillance so that you do not discuss the situation with anyone else.
- You worry that leaving a marriage you did not consent to will result in shame, guilt or harm to you or your family.
- You live in fear that you, as well as your family members, will be hurt or even killed if you refuse to get married.
- All of your personal belongings will be taken away from you and will not be given back to you until you get married.
The U.S. Government’s Stance on Forced Marriage
The U.S. Government is against forced marriage and views it as dehumanization. And if the victim is a child, forced marriage is considered a form of child abuse. The U.S. government is working hand-in-hand with other countries to put an end to forced marriages. Outreach and assistance is being provided to people who are being forced into marriages, as well as those who live in danger of being forced to marry someone they do not wish to marry.
Forced marriage is a serious crime, and people who force anyone into a marriage can be charged with domestic violence, assault, rape, child abuse, and kidnapping. If you have been – or are being forced into – a marriage for the sake of evading immigration, you are not at fault and have not broken any U.S. laws. Seek legal representation immediately.
If You Are in Danger of a Forced Marriage
If you suspect or think that you are in a forced marriage, it’s important to know that the law is on your side. You may be eligible to get an order of protection, as well as a child custody order that will grant you custody of your children. A family law attorney well versed in these types of cases can also help you file for legal separation and begin divorce proceedings.
U.S. Immigration Aid and Force Marriage
If you are a lawful permanent resident or U.S. citizen, and are being coerced to sponsor your future spouse for immigration benefits, you may remove your petition before your petition is adjudicated by USCIS, or before this person is admitted or an adjustment of status is approved. Before withdrawing your petition, you should speak to an immigration attorney who is familiar with forced marriages to discuss possible options, and plans for a safer future.
Don’t Hesitate to Speak with an Immigration Attorney
Being forced into a marriage is often a dangerous and life threatening situation. Contact The Gambacorta Law Office today for a consultation at 847-443-9303. Our team is happy to speak with you, as well as work with you to develop a feasible long-term solution.