Chained and Silenced: The Reality of Forced and Child Marriage in the U.S. (Newark in-person)

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 1:00 PM EST - 2:45 PM EST

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Although forced marriage and child marriage are recognized globally as forms of modern-day slavery, they remain legally permissible in most of the United States. This program will examine the legal and human rights implications of these abuses, with a focus on how cultural and religious norms can intersect with legal systems in ways that perpetuate systemic injustice. The session will explore the laws that enable and even encourage these practices, the profound human suffering they cause, and the vital role family lawyers can play to achieve justice.

Participants will hear a personal account from a survivor, gain clarity on legal definitions and religious contexts, and review relevant case law. The program will conclude with practical guidance on how attorneys can effectively represent survivors from all backgrounds and advocate for legal reform.

FREE for family law attorneys who commit to representing an Unchained At Last client pro bono as the client escapes forced marriage. To do this, please register online by November 26, and apply the promo code PROBONO. Unchained will contact you with details about the pro bono process, and Rutgers will confirm the fee waiver prior to the session.

Co-sponsored by Unchained At Last and Rutgers Law School Institute for Professional Education.

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