Forced Marriages and Human Trafficking on the increase in Australia
By Harry Taruva
Cases of forced marriages and human trafficking have significantly gone up in Australia in the past few years according to statistics released by the Australian Federal Police, Kwedu News can reveal.
In the 2022 -2023 financial year alone, the Australian Federal Police received 90 reports of forced marriages and a 13% increase in cases of Human Trafficking, most being forced marriages involving young people. A total of 340 cases of human trafficking cases were reported in the same period.
Among the cases handled by the Australian Federal Police was that of an under age girl who disclosed how her parents booked a flight for her to go overseas for marriage. The girl further disclosed how she received threats from family members when they found out that she had communicated with a boy outside of the family circle
She was only saved after authorities obtained a court order to remove her from the family home.
AFP Commander of Human Exploitation Helen Schneider said parents, teachers and students must be vigilant as they are usually the first to see the signs .
“If the victim is someone still within school age, that might be the only access they have outside of what might be a controlling environment,” Commander Schneider said.
“By educating the community of the prevalence of forced marriage and building awareness, particularly for those involved in school communities, we hope more people are empowered to seek help and report their experiences or suspicions”Commander Schneider said.
A forced marriage is when a person enters a marriage without full consent through coercion, threats, deception or a lack of understanding of the nature and effect of a marriage ceremony.
Some signs to watch out for include children dropping out of school early , and marrying early.
According to Commander Schneider,other signs include
” being highly controlled” by family or community members, having their communications monitored, and expressing concern about upcoming family holidays or overseas travel.”
Forced marriage has been outlawed in Australia since 2013 but Commander Schneider said it is still under-reported.
If victims are not comfortable in speaking directly to police, there are many services and agencies which can provide support to help ensure their safety,” she said.
“The AFP encourages schools to have systems and services in place to support victims of human trafficking and forced marriage offences.”
Boys could also be victims of forced marriage, but the vast majority of victims were girls, according to Commander Schneider.
“Forced marriage is not limited to any cultural group, religion or ethnicity,” she said.
“Anyone can be a victim of forced marriage, regardless of their age, gender or sexual orientation.”
A full list of the warning signs can be found on the AFP’s website.
If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing, or at risk of, forced marriage or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s human trafficking online information report.
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