Resiliency Foundation was honored to be part of a forced marriage/child marriage training held in Indianapolis last week. As we talked about how to screen for these cases I realized that none of us ( doctors offices, social service programs, mental health professionals). Have any questions on our intake forms asking the person that weContinue reading “Asking the right questions”
Category Archives: Social justice
The Aftermath
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/she-was-american-child-bride-now-genevieve-fighting-stop-it-n1000276 NBC news interviewed me for a story that they were working on as part of an ongoing series highlighting the issue of child marriage in the US. In this story I appreciate how the writer focused on the aftermath of child marriage. How difficult it was to build a life and the years ofContinue reading “The Aftermath”
Child Brides in the US
ABC did an investigative report on child brides that aired this last week. I will post the link below so that you can watch it. A few things that I would like to point out. If you only pass laws banning child marriage in some states but not all. Some states become child wedding destinationContinue reading “Child Brides in the US”
Self Care
Many of us struggle to take care of ourselves. For those who have suffered trauma taking care of ourselves is essential to healing. However giving ourselves permission to take care of ourselves can be hard. I personally struggle with this often. Trauma is damage to the psyche and you can’t see it from the outside.Continue reading “Self Care”
Thoughts from my son
Since I spoke about my lived experience of child of marriage I have been asked often about my children. For the most part I intend to keep my children out of the spot light of sharing my story. I will reveal some information; I have four children. None of whom are biologically related to myContinue reading “Thoughts from my son”
Sara
I asked my #comeonnewfriend Sara if she would share her experience with our readers. In her own words she shares about the challenges that she overcame to establish a life for herself and her children after being forced to marry a stranger at 15. Thank you Sara for sharing your story and for your friendship.Continue reading “Sara”
Other Child Marriage Survivors
Since stepping out of the shadows and sharing my story I have met many other child marriage survivors. There are common threads to our stores and stark differences as well. This week I would like to introduce you to a fellow survivor and now friend. For now I am linking her blog to mine soContinue reading “Other Child Marriage Survivors”
Why is child marriage bad?
For all my data loving readers out there. If you are being forced into a marriage or already have been and need help call: 571-282-6161 Child marriage is the opposite of an equal partnership Child marriage creates a power imbalance and abuse is an inevitable Child brides are most often timid, shy and have lowContinue reading “Why is child marriage bad?”
Child Marriage in Indiana
The minimum age for marriage and exceptions are different in each state in the United States. This information is specific to Indiana In 2019 the minimum age to marry in Indiana is 18. But…you can merry at 17 with only a parents consent. In the case of pregnancy a marriage license can be issued toContinue reading “Child Marriage in Indiana”
The Road to Advocacy
Last fall I participated in something called the Human Library. The Human Library is an international organization and movement that first started in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2000. It aims to address people’s prejudices by helping them to talk to those they would not normally meet. The organisation uses a library analogy of lending people ratherContinue reading “The Road to Advocacy”