Child marriage is a formal marriage or informal union entered into by an individual before reaching the age of 18.[1][2] The legally-prescribed marriageable age in many jurisdictions is below 18 years, especially in the case of girls; and even when the age is set at 18 years, many jurisdictions permit earlier marriage with parental consent or in special cases, such as teenage pregnancy. Age of consent laws are intended to protect children from exposure to sexualisation and sexual exploitation, and child trafficking is also, to some extent, associated with child marriage. Child marriage affects both boys and girls, though the overwhelming majority of those affected are girls, most of whom are in poor socioeconomic situations.[3]