End Forced Marriage
Zonta says NO to child and forced marriage in Australia and the world.
Page links:
Why end forced marriage | What is forced marriage | What is the punishment for forced marriage
What are the signs of forced marriage | Find resources about forced marriage
What are the signs of forced marriage | Find resources about forced marriage
Why end Forced Marriage?
Zonta Club of Caboolture advocates for the end of child and forced marriage. A child marriage is a marriage involving a child typically under 16 years of age in Australia. Forced marriage includes child marriages. A person is forced into marriage when they don't have an option to say "No". They are threatened, coerced or deceived in to marrying someone they don't want to marry. A child does not have the reasoning ability to understand the consequences of being married in these situations.
According to World Vision, child marriage is a global issue. The numbers are shocking.
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12 million girls every year marry before they turn 18! |
1 in 5 girls is married or in union before their 18th birthday |
40% of girls in the least developed countries marry before 18 |
The consequences of child and forced marriage on the person involved can be devastating. End child marriage because every child has the right to a childhood, an education and to make choices in their best interest so they can live their best life. End forced marriage because every person has the right to choose when, who and why they marry, if they decide to marry. Forced marriage and child marriage is a slavery-type practice.
According to My Blue Sky the consequences of child and forced marriage can include:
According to My Blue Sky the consequences of child and forced marriage can include:
- psychological trauma
- physical, emotional and sexual abuse
- loss of freedom and control over their lives
- loss of education and work opportunities
- being exploited in the home (e.g. forced to do all the domestic duties)
- health issues (e.g. forced and early pregnancy).
Government targets forced marriagesDuring the weekend of 2-3 December, 2023, the federal government announced a $12.1 m program targeting forced marriages in Australia (The Sunday Mail).
It is a five year program aimed to support victims of forced marriages including counselling and accommodation.
An additional $2.2 m will also fund Anti-Slavery Australia's Speak Now project. |
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What is Forced Marriage?
Forced marriage is a slavery-like practice. It is unacceptable in Australia. Forced marriage is an abuse of human rights. In Australia, forcing a person to get married is a crime. It does not include arranged marriages and sham marriages when both parties have consented to the marriage and are a marriageable age. Commonwealth Laws criminalising Forced Marriage were enacted in Australia on 8 March 2013 (International Women's Day) to help end forced marriage in Australia.
Under Commonwealth Law, a marriage is forced when a person gets married without freely and fully consenting to that marriage. The person who was forced to marry may have done so because of being coerced, threatened or deceived. They also may not be capable of understanding the nature and effect of a marriage ceremony because of their age or mental capabilities.
Under Commonwealth Law, a marriage is forced when a person gets married without freely and fully consenting to that marriage. The person who was forced to marry may have done so because of being coerced, threatened or deceived. They also may not be capable of understanding the nature and effect of a marriage ceremony because of their age or mental capabilities.
What is the punishment for Forced Marriage?
In Australia, the punishment for forced marriage is up to nine (9) years in prison. If a child is taken overseas for a forced marriage then the punishment is up to 25 years.
What are the signs of a Forced Marriage?
In Australia, to marry a person must be 18. It is illegal for two people under the age of 18 to marry and for any person under the age of 16. Be aware of the signs that may indicate a person is in a forced marriage so that you can help them get support or to help yourself.
The following signs were developed by the Australian Government (Attorney General's Department).
The ten signs relating to a person in a forced marriage or at risk of a forced marriage include:
The ten signs relating to a person in a forced marriage or at risk of a forced marriage include:
- A sudden or unexpected announcement they are engaged.
- Their Older siblings were married early or stopped going to school.
- Their family has a lot of control over their life which seems excessive or abnormal.
- They show signs of being depressed, social isolation, substance abuse or self-harm.
- They are concerned, scared or nervous about going on a family holiday overseas.
- They spend a long time away from school, university or work.
- They often do not come to, or they suddenly withdraw from school, university or work.
- They have limited or no control over their finances or income.
- They have no autonomy over their life. Significant decisions affecting their future is made in consultation or agreement with their parents or others.
- Evidence of family arguments and conflicts, domestic violence, abuse or running away from home.
Find resources about Forced Marriage?
The Australian Government has developed a Forced Marriage Community Pack which provides a range of information and resources for the general community, people at risk or currently in a forced marriage, organisations and service providers, and media.
