Forced marriage is a serious but neglected problem in the United States, and despite many advocates’ best efforts, survivors and those at risk continue to fall through the cracks of the systems and programs set up to protect individuals from abuse. Read this peer-reviewed article, written by Forced Marriage Initiative Project Manager Casey Swegman with support from the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence, to learn more.
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I came to the U.S. in the winter of 2006. Life back home in Mexico was tough for me and my family. I dreamt of going to college and graduating but with my family’s economic status, that dream was too costly and impossible.
At least I was able to graduate high school and that is something I am proud of since I was also working at the time to help my family. I was always looking for an opportunity to have a better life as a young woman.
“I hope my story is helpful to someone else…and can inspire many women to be stronger. We need to help young women identify toxic relationships, so that there are fewer Camilas that go through such difficult things, let alone have our children suffer.”
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