FREE THE GIRLS: Ending Child Marriage In The US

Fri 5 PM | Convo Hall 3
Sat 2 PM | Convo Hall 3

Ashley Easter

When you hear the term “child marriage,” what does your mind conjure? An ancient practice predicated long, long ago? Perhaps you think of undeveloped countries overseas. What if I told you that child marriage happens here in the US too, and it’s legal in all 50 states? 248,000 children were married in the US between 2000 and 2010. Of those children, 77% were girls married to adult men and, in some cases, girls were married off as young as eleven. Join me as I share stories of child brides, educate the audience of the cultural and religious practices that contribute to this human rights violation, the strong political opposition, and what we can do to end child marriage in our lifetime.

Ashley Easter

Ashley Easter is an author, speaker, and abuse-victim advocate who educates churches and secular communities on abuse, safe practices, and effective resources.
At 22 she freed herself from a religious group that systematically devalued women.
Now she works to liberate other victims of abuse from toxic theology and encourage them along their journey back to wholeness.
Ashley founded The Courage Conference, a survivor-centered movement focused on self-healing, to empower victims to discover their courage and reclaim their freedom through connection, learning, and advocacy. She is the author of The Courage Coach: A Practical, Friendly Guide on How to Heal From Abuse and Cults: Hidden in Plain Sight.
www.AshleyEaster.com
www.TheCourageConference.com
Twitter: @ashleymeaster Facebook: /ashleymeaster

Sessions:
45 Religious Cults Hidden in Plain Sight
270 Ending Child Marriage In The US