Unchained At Last

Photo Credit: Unchained At Last

Unchained At Last envisions a world where a girl is never a bride, and where every adult is free to choose whether, when, and whom to marry — and whether to get divorced. Unchained At Last is the only organization dedicated to ending forced and child marriage in the U.S. through direct services and advocacy. 

Unchained At Last takes a holistic approach to the problem of arranged/forced marriage, helping women and girls leave or resist these marriages and rebuild their lives. They also promote social change through advocacy and education to end coercive marriages in the U.S. Since 2012, Unchained At Last has helped about 600 people and are currently supporting 65 people. 

Photo Credit: TEDxFoggyBottom

Unchained’s direct services are focused on adults, as law often limits what they can do for children, who cannot initiate legal action until turning 18. Currently, underage marriage is legal in most US states and territories. Unchained At Last has introduced legislation in over half the states to address this.

During the COVID-19 quarantine and stay-at-home orders, domestic violence has increased and so has the number of people reaching out to escape forced marriage. Unchained at Last’s services are needed now more than ever.

FBB is happy to help create pathways of escape for women in forced marriages in the US, and we look forward to the day Unchained at Last’s work is no longer needed.

Photo Credit: UNICEF USA

Photo Credit: Susan Landman