Definition of Early Forced Marriages

A forced marriage is a marriage union in which one or both parties are forced against their will, without their free and full consent. Although it affects people of both sexes, the majority of victims are women and girls. The UN considers forced marriage to be a serious violation of the human rights to autonomy and freedom (Barreto, 2019). In all EU countries, forced marriage and early marriage are punished and prosecuted by law.

Forced marriage is a practice motivated by social, economic and cultural factors, including traditions, gender inequality, poverty, family pressures and issues related to reputation and honour (Barreto, 2019). Forced marriage has profound consequences in the various areas of the lives of those affected, in physical, emotional and social terms. Victims of this practice suffer a greater risk of abuse (physical or psychological), restrictions on access to education, health problems and the deprivation of their reproductive rights. Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls is only possible by promoting the eradication of gender-based violence and discrimination against underage girls, including all forms of violence in public and private settings, trafficking and sexual and/or reproductive exploitation (Binazzi 2019).