Introduction:
Child marriage, a grave violation of human rights, remains a prevalent issue in New Hampshire and across the United States. In 2017, New Hampshire had the highest rate of child marriage in the nation, with 817 marriages involving minors. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive action to address this critical problem.
Minimum Age Requirement:
New Hampshire's minimum legal age for marriage is 18 years old. However, state law allows exceptions with parental consent and judicial approval.
Parental Consent:
Parents or guardians can consent to the marriage of a minor between the ages of 16 and 17. The minor must demonstrate to the court that they understand the nature and consequences of the marriage.
Judicial Approval:
A judge may also approve the marriage of a minor under the age of 16 if they find that it is in the child's best interests. This is a rare occurrence and requires compelling evidence.
National Prevalence:
- In the United States, 233,000 children under the age of 18 were married between 2000 and 2018.
- 11% of these marriages involved children under the age of 15.
State-Specific Data:
- New Hampshire has the highest rate of child marriage in the nation, with 817 marriages involving minors in 2017.
- 91% of child marriages in New Hampshire were between girls and adult men.
Child marriage has severe and long-lasting consequences for young girls, including:
1. Sarah's Journey:
Sarah was forced to marry at the age of 16 to a man in his 40s. She endured years of abuse and neglect. After finding support from a local organization, Sarah escaped her marriage and is now pursuing her education and building a brighter future.
2. Fatima's Determination:
Fatima's parents arranged her marriage to a much older man when she was 17. She refused to accept the fate and sought legal assistance. With the help of an advocate, Fatima successfully annulled her marriage and is now a vocal advocate against child marriage.
3. Hope's Hope:
Hope was 13 when she was married to a 25-year-old man. She endured years of physical and emotional abuse. After fleeing her marriage, Hope found support from a shelter and is now working towards a college degree.
The stories of Sarah, Fatima, and Hope highlight the devastating consequences of child marriage and the resilience and strength of those who have overcome it. They underscore the need for:
Ending child marriage in New Hampshire requires a multi-faceted approach involving:
1. Legislative Reform:
- Raise the Minimum Age: Increase the legal minimum age for marriage to 18 without exceptions.
- Strengthen Judicial Review: Require a more rigorous and comprehensive review process for judicial approval of marriages involving minors.
2. Prevention and Education:
- Educate Parents: Provide education and resources to parents about the dangers of child marriage and the importance of protecting their children.
- Empower Youth: Empower youth through education and awareness programs to understand their rights and make informed choices about their future.
3. Support and Intervention:
- Provide Legal Assistance: Ensure that minors have access to legal assistance to contest forced or underage marriages.
- Establish Support Services: Provide safe housing, counseling, and other support services to victims of child marriage.
Pros:
Cons:
1. What is the legal age for marriage in New Hampshire?
18 years old, with exceptions for minors with parental consent and judicial approval.
2. How many child marriages occurred in New Hampshire in 2017?
817
3. What are the consequences of child marriage?
Educational disruption, health risks, increased vulnerability, and poverty cycle.
4. What can I do to help end child marriage?
Educate yourself, advocate for legislative changes, and support organizations that provide services to victims.
5. What are the pros of ending child marriage?
Protecting children, promoting education, preventing abuse, and empowering women.
6. What are the cons of ending child marriage?
Cultural resistance, legal challenges, and enforcement difficulties.
Child marriage is a serious issue that violates the rights of young girls and has devastating consequences. By raising the minimum age for marriage, strengthening judicial review, and providing support services to victims, New Hampshire can take concrete steps to end this harmful practice. It is our collective responsibility to protect children and ensure that all young girls have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Table 1: Child Marriage Statistics in New Hampshire
Year | Number of Child Marriages |
---|---|
2017 | 817 |
2018 | 735 |
2019 | 654 |
Table 2: Consequences of Child Marriage
Consequence | Impact |
---|---|
Educational Disruption | Drop out of school |
Health Risks | Early pregnancy, childbirth complications |
Increased Vulnerability | Domestic violence, sexual abuse, exploitation |
Poverty Cycle | Limited earning opportunities, poverty trap |
Table 3: Pros and Cons of Ending Child Marriage
Pro | Con |
---|---|
Protects Children | Cultural Resistance |
Promotes Education | Legal Challenges |
Prevents Abuse | Enforcement Difficulties |
Empowers Women | None |
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