How to Spot a Forced Marriage: New Guide for Frontline Workers

When you think about forced marriage, Australia probably isn’t the first country that comes to mind. However, forced marriages are the most reported form of modern slavery in this country.

Anti Slavery Australia has released a guide for frontline workers to better recognise and respond to situations of forced marriages, in the hopes that more survivors can receive help and support.

Founding Director Professor Jennifer Burn spoke to Hope Drive about the specific signs to look out for and the next steps to take if you suspect someone is in a forced marriage.

Key indicators include a young person fearing an overseas trip, a sudden announcement of an engagement or a minor wearing a wedding ring.

Professor Burn also urged the importance of getting help if you’re suspicious of someone in a forced marriage, as they are often in desperate situations.

“The consequences [of a forced marriage] can be lifelong and devastating. They can lose their families, their education and the prospect of having a job. And they live in violence every single day,” she said.

Listen to Professor Burn’s full interview on Hope Drive in the player above.

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To access the Frontline Worker Guide and to find out more about forced marriage in Australia, visit My Blue Sky.

Feature image: Photo by Phakphoom Srinorajan on Unsplash