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WHAT IT IS
The Issue
UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUE
What is Child Marriage?
Child marriage is the formal union of a person under the age of 18. Internationally, it's recognized as a human rights violation because minors are often unable to provide full, informed consent. It affects children across continents and cultures, driven by poverty, gender inequality, and weak legal protections.
The Impact
Children who marry are more likely to leave school early, limiting their future opportunities, and face increased risks of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and mental health struggles. Married minors may also face legal barriers that make it difficult to access domestic violence shelters, legal services, and other support systems.
The Fight
Advocates have made significant progress through awareness and legislative reform. But millions of children worldwide are still affected. At Stand For Childhood, we believe every child deserves the freedom to decide their own future. We plan to start with the United States and expand internationally to free children from this humanitarian violation.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Survivor Stories
Brigette Combs
Brigitte grew up in a Hare Krishna household where her mother arranged marriages for religious reasons. At 11, a match with a 26-year-old fell through when he learned her age. At 13, her mother arranged another marriage with a 37-year-old, and Brigitte married him at 14, becoming pregnant soon after. Seven months pregnant, she was brought to a courthouse to legalize the marriage—when the judge asked if she consented, she felt she had no choice.
By 17, raising two children, she sought help, but lawyers and shelters turned her away for being a minor. At 18, she fled and lived on the streets. Unable to file for divorce until 20, she remained legally trapped until then.
Today, Brigitte speaks openly about the lifelong impact of being a child bride and advocates to protect other girls.
Brittany Bee
Brittany grew up in a religious military family. At 13, she met Peter, 20, who pursued her with promises of a future together; by 14, he had sexually abused her, triggering deep depression.
At 16, Peter threatened to expose their relationship unless she left with him, and the abuse continued. Fear of blame kept her silent when reported missing, and her community later shunned her. The trauma led to a near-fatal overdose in 2013.
Weeks later, her father and Peter arranged her marriage to him without her consent, which he used to continue the abuse. Unable to divorce until 18, she felt trapped until he pushed her from a moving vehicle. She fled, found support, and divorced him by April 2014.
Today, remarried and still healing, Brittany advocates so that no other girl has to endure what she did.
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