Religious tradition remains a contributing factor to child marriage rates, yet other, often darker, reasons fuel them. Child marriage is often used to prevent young, pregnant girls from having children outside of wedlock, which, along with abortion, are socially unacceptable in certain communities. Additionally, child marriage is often used to cover up rape when the girl becomes impregnated by her rapist. Seven states in the US lower their legally-established age floor if the female is pregnant. This exception helps cover up rape and perpetuate violence. Once the marriage occurs, it is nearly impossible to prove a rape prior to marriage, especially when the conjugality can be used as evidence that the female consented to the pregnancy and marriage at the time.
These women also have extreme difficulties leaving the marriage, because of the lack of access to lawyers, shelters, and counseling. Due to their age, minors cannot file any type of legal action, including divorce. Without access to these resources, it is nearly impossible to get help.