Evaluation of Early Marriage in Istanbul, Türkiye: Investigation of Cases Adjudicated in Bakırköy Assize Courts

Objective: Early marriages are a major global problem with serious implications for individual and societal development and public health. Early marriages are recognized as a form of child sexual abuse. Methods: In our study, 150 case files related to the crime of early marriage and child sexual abuse that were concluded by Istanbul Bakırköy Assize Courts between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015 were examined retrospectively. Results: The analysis showed that all 150 victims were female and all 150 spouse defendants were male. A total of 92 parents of the victims were tried for aiding and abetting the crime in question. Almost victims and spouse defendants were found to be primary school graduates. In all examined cases, the victims and the defendants had a religious marriage, and in 90% of cases, the marriage was revealed and became subject to a lawsuit after being reported by a hospital. Conclusion: Although early marriages are largely driven by deep-rooted socio-cultural factors, low educational attainment was identified as a major contributing factor. Improving educational attainment is a key strategy in preventing early marriages. Legal arrangements that support and promote children’s continued education should be implemented children to continue their education should be made, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness among both children and parents on the topic should be carried out with the support of public institutions and social media.