The Tahirih Justice Center has released a compilation of stories, writings and poetry from survivors of child marriage across the United States. I was honored to be part of this heartbreaking and inspiring work of art. My story is included along with those of my brave sisters. This work honors their stories as well as those stories that remain untold. Below is a link to view the full published works online and hard copies can be available. Please read, share with friends and family and help to bring an end to child marriage in the United States.
Genevieve Meyer always felt like a throwaway child - a lost cause that no one wanted to invest anything into. "When I was married off at 15 that feeling was solidified. People knew it was going to happen. I even asked for help - a place to live, someone to intervene - but no one rescued me. I was just a 'poor white trash girl' with a difficult, mentally-ill mother and no one gave my being married off to a 42-year-old man a second thought."
Child marriage is currently legal in all but one state in the U.S. The repercussions of this reality are real - domestic violence, inability to complete education, lack of job skills - all leading to being trapped in the marriage.
Meyer has lived in the Fort Wayne area for 14 years. She recently earned her MBA, following completion of an undergraduate degree at Purdue Fort Wayne. She manages a mental health facility in Fort Wayne which helps children and their families heal from trauma. Driven by her own story of trauma, she works to advocate and educate about the harmful effects of child marriage.
She lives in the country with her husband of 12 years, and together they are raising 4 children and several animals.
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One thought on “Survivors of Child Marriage Speak out”
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved as a favorite for later!
Great information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve saved as a favorite for later!