Australian school communities are being urged to remain vigilant for signs of forced marriage and report any suspicions of a student being in danger. According to the Australian Federal Police, teachers and classmates are often in the best position to identify human trafficking. Common signs include a family history of leaving education early, unease about an upcoming family holiday, concerns about marrying at a young age, and worry about physical or emotional violence.
Other red flags include control outside the home, such as surveillance, limited control over finances or life decisions, and restricted communications. Commander Helen Schneider emphasized that while most reported victims are young women and girls, forced marriage can also affect men and boys. “Forced marriage is not limited to any cultural group, religion, or ethnicity,” she added.
The crime of forced marriage is defined by police as a person entering marriage due to coercion, threats, deception, or without fully consenting due to factors like mental capacity or age. While it has been a crime in Australia since 2013 and applies to legal, cultural, or religious ceremonies both locally and overseas, it is still significantly under-reported.
In the 2022/23 period, the Australian Federal Police received 340 reports of human trafficking, which includes forced marriage and sexual servitude, representing a 15.6 percent increase from the previous year. However, Commander Schneider emphasized that this increase is a positive sign, as it indicates greater awareness and reporting. Disrupting human trafficking, she explained, is a positive outcome for potential victims and investigators alike.
Anyone with concerns about forced marriage is urged to contact the police, and support is also available through organizations such as the Red Cross, 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service (1800 211 028), Lifeline (13 11 14), and Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).