Child and Early Forced Marriage

In this chapter, we explore forced marriage of children and adolescents, so-called child and early forced marriage (CEFM). Many of the issues relevant to CEFM are those raised in the previous chapter on forced marriage, so this chapter needs to be read in conjunction with the previous chapter. However, there are some important issues that are specific to CEFM upon which we concentrate here. We will define what is meant by CEFM, explore the worldwide prevalence, consider legislative approaches and identify reasons why CEFM occurs. Finally, we will identify warning signs of CEFM that may enable early identification by professionals and others charged with safeguarding children. In this chapter, we hope to illustrate that CEFM is a form of child abuse and a gross breach of girls’ and boys’ human rights.