Responding to disclosures of forced marriage

The Australian Department of Home Affairs defines forced marriage as a situation whereby a person gets married without freely and fully consenting, because they have been coerced, threatened or deceived, or because they are incapable of understanding the nature and effect of a marriage ceremony, for reasons including age or mental capacity.

Someone in a non-consensual marriage or at risk of a forced marriage may find it hard to talk about their situation for various reasons including what may be a sense to uphold cultural tradition, obligation to their family and/or religion, and/or concern for the consequences for their family (including shame and disappointment that may be directed at them from their family). In some situations, an individual may not be aware that forced marriage is illegal in Australia. 

Reporting obligations

If you have a reasonable suspicion that a child or young person is at risk of any type of violence or harm, it is important to seek help. Under State and Territory laws you have certain obligations to report child abuse and neglect. If you do not have a legal obligation to report, you can still contact the Australian Federal Police on 131 AFP (131 237) if you suspect someone is in, or at risk of, forced marriage. 

The Australian Federal Police

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has a specialist team that responds to suspected cases of forced marriage. They are able to help people in, or at risk of, a forced marriage even when that person does not want to assist with an investigation or prosecution. If the person is a minor (younger than 18 years old), the AFP is compelled to act in their best interests and will work alongside the relevant State or Territory child protection authority. You can contact the Australian Federal Police anonymously by calling 131 AFP (131 237), or by filling out an online form on the AFP website. The AFP can also refer suspected victims of forced marriage to the Government-funded Support for Trafficked People Program.

The Australian Federal Police 

The Forced Marriage Community Pack

The Attorney-General Department produced Forced Marriage Community Pack includes a range of materials about forced marriage for use by people in, or at risk of, forced marriage, the general community, the media and organisations and service providers. Visit the Attorney-General’s website and scroll down to the resources under the heading 'Forced marriage community pack'. Select materials are available in Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Somali, Tamil and Urdu.

The Forced Marriage Community Pack 

Additional Referral Pathway pilot (Support for Trafficked People Program) 

Eligible victims and survivors can access the Support for Trafficked People Program through a referral pilot program from select community providers, without requiring initial engagement with law enforcement. The pilot is delivered by The Salvation Army and partner organisations, who will assess eligibility and make direct referral to the program for victims and survivors of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices.

The pilot will run until November 2025. More information on the pilot and the program is available on the Department of Social Services website and on The Salvation Army website or call 1800 000 277 (1800 000 ARP).

Anti-Slavery Australia

Anti-Slavery Australia provides a comprehensive legal service Australia-wide. Anti-Slavery Australia can provide information about rights and options, legal representation and referral to support services.

Call 02 9514 9660 or go to Anti Slavery Australia.