The State Department is available to assist U.S. government and local resources, and coordinating shelter and services back in the United States. We are available to help individuals from the United States who are facing or fleeing forced marriage in Mexico, including providing phone, text, and email support, connecting with the U.S. The Tahirih Justice Center Forced Marriage Initiative.Please check the entry and exit requirements for Mexico for the most up to date information. 13 Special Challenges in Returning to the United States Recently a network of Woman Justice Centers was established to provide legal, social, and medical services to women and girls experiencing domestic, family, and sexual violence. Women and girls facing violence are able to access assistance through various government agencies and NGO’s in Mexico. 11 Police forces are also often plagued by corruption and inefficiency, with some officers engaging in criminal activity. 10 Child abuse is widespread, with little recourse for victims. There are certain provisions in the law that base the severity of the punishment for sexual violence on the chastity of the victim. Rape cases may not be prosecuted, and authorities’ responses to victims are generally ineffective and not supportive. Complaints are rarely filed by rape victims because the victim’s fear of being socially stigmatized. Police may treat women or girls who report sexual or domestic violence with disrespect and suspicion. While domestic violence and rape (including spousal rape) are criminal offenses with serious penalties, Mexico’s civil laws do not in themselves do enough to protect women or girls against sexual or domestic violence. It is uncertain whether women and girls facing forced marriage would be able to access adequate protections in Mexico. 9 Potential Risks and Protections in Country 8 It is also not uncommon for girls to be sold into marriage in the state of Chiapas, and there are reports of young women who try to avoid or escape such arrangements being fined or imprisoned. One of the most common factors that influence the existence such “agreements” is poverty. 7 Among the indigenous municipalities of Oaxaca, arranged marriages are still customary, and there are reports of girls as young as 12 being married in exchange for a payment agreed upon between parents. 6Įarly and forced marriage situations appear to be more frequent in rural areas, particularly among indigenous groups in the Yucatan peninsula and southeastern states where social customs and practices prevail over federal law. 5 Mexico’s laws against human trafficking specifically prohibit forced marriage, with a penalty of up to 10 years in prison for perpetrators. 3 Divorce is available, 4 and annulments may be specifically granted in situations of forced marriage. 2 Marriages that take place through religious ceremony, and not before a civil judge, are not recognized under the law, however such unions may be recognized in local communities as a valid marriage. 1 Parental consent is required if an individual is under the age of eighteen. ![]() The age of consent to enter into marriage 16 years old for males, and 14 years old for females. Marriage in Mexico is governed by the Federal Civil Code. ![]() Women and girls in Mexico have equal legal rights and protections when entering into or dissolving a marriage. that are facing or fleeing a forced marriage in Mexico, please contact the Forced Marriage Initiative. In certain regions, early and forced marriage situations are not uncommon, with few remedies for victims.įor further information and guidance for individuals from the U.S. While the law offers some protections for women and girls, gender based violence – including rape, domestic violence, human trafficking – still occurs throughout the country. ![]() Individuals from the United States may face challenges if trying to avoid and/or escape forced marriages in Mexico.
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