What is Forced Marriage?
Forced marriage happens when a person is made to get married without their full and free consent. This means they have not been able to choose if they want to get married, who to marry, or when to marry.
In Australia, anyone under 18 years old cannot legally consent to marriage. This is called underage forced marriage or forced child marriage. In very rare cases, a person aged 16 or 17 can marry with permission from the Court and their parents.
Legal Status of Forced Marriage
Forced marriage is illegal in Australia. This applies to all types of marriages, whether cultural, religious, or legal. It doesn’t matter if the marriage happens in Australia or if someone is taken overseas to be married. Forced marriage is a form of modern slavery and a serious abuse of human rights.
Who Can Be Affected?
Anyone, regardless of cultural background, sexual orientation, race, or religion, can be a victim of forced marriage. However, most reported victims are young women and girls.
Why is Forced Marriage Underreported?
Forced marriage is often not reported because:
Other Forms of Abuse
Forced marriage can happen alongside other types of abuse, such as:
Getting Help
If you or someone you know has experienced forced marriage, there are ways to get help.
Australian Red Cross Support for Trafficked People Program: Call 03 9345 1800 or email national_STPP@redcross.org.au.
Australian Federal Police: Call 131 237 or visit the AFP website.
My Blue Sky: For free and confidential legal advice about forced marriage, call the National Forced Marriage Helpline on (02) 9514 8115, email help@mybluesky.org.au, or send an SMS to 0481 070 844.
Additional Resources
The NSW Government provides information in various languages with frequently asked questions about forced marriage.
Remember, you have the right to choose if, when, and whom you marry. Help is available, and you are not alone.
