1000 young women forced into marriages with a much older partner each year

Estimates put the number of young women forced into marriages with a much older partner each year at around 1,000.

Concept of fear, shame, domestic violence. Woman covers her face her hands on scratched background. Source: iStockphoto

Labor will today unveil a new policy on forced marriage outlining two significant changes to the way the crime is managed.

It will introduce civil protection orders for all victims, no matter their age, allowing courts to intervene on behalf of those at risk.

Estimates put the number of young women forced into marriages with a much older partner each year at around 1,000.

Labor M-P Clare O'Neil has told the A-B-C, victims, who are often reluctant to come forward, need more support.