Advocacy and Raising Awareness
Brittany’s story is part of a larger issue about the prevalence of child marriage in the United States. Between 2000 and 2018, almost 300,000 children were legally married in the U.S., with the vast majority of these marriages involving young girls and adult men. Despite the widespread nature of this issue, only 12 states have banned marriage for people under 18 without exceptions.
Brittany uses her platform on TikTok to raise awareness about child marriage and advocate for legislative change. “Child marriage does not bring any benefit to anyone other than child rapists. I was not given a framework for what true love really is, what consent really is,” she emphasizes.
Her efforts have resonated with many, garnering widespread support and recognition. “I said, ‘I’m going to run, swim, and bike 3,000 miles to raise awareness about child marriage. I’m a survivor of child marriage, and I want to do everything I can to end this human rights abuse.’” Her determination and resilience have inspired others to join her cause.
The Broader Issue
Child marriage is not just a problem in the developing world; it is prevalent in the United States. Legal loopholes and cultural misconceptions allow this practice to continue. In many states, minors can be married with parental consent or if they are pregnant, which often perpetuates cycles of abuse and poverty.
Research published in the National Library of Medicine indicates that women who marry before the age of 18 are about 31% more likely to live in poverty compared to those who marry later. Early marriage undermines a girl’s health, education, and economic opportunities, trapping her in a cycle of disadvantage.
Brittany’s advocacy extends to highlighting these broader issues and pushing for legal reforms. “The law needs to catch up with what is going on in the world today. We can end child marriage with simple, common-sense legislation, yet most US states are resisting that change.”
Legislative Efforts
Brittany’s efforts align with those of other advocates like Fraidy Reese, founder of Unchained at Last. Reese, also a child marriage survivor, created her charity to help survivors and push for legislative reforms. “It is extraordinarily healing and empowering to be there for people experiencing what I went through,” Reese says.
Despite the push for change, resistance remains strong. Many legislators mistakenly assume their religious constituents oppose such changes. However, leaders from Christian, Jewish, and Muslim communities have supported raising the marriage age to 18 without exceptions. “We have had faith leaders stand with us, testify with us, to urge 18 no exceptions,” Brittany notes.
