Reports of forced marriages have surged nearly 30 per cent, prompting federal police to call on schools to help identify and protect vulnerable children.
The latest figures from the Australian Federal Police-led (AFP) Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) reveal reports of forced marriages jumped from 91 in 2023-24 to 118 in 2024-25.
While the figures didn't necessarily represent a growth in offending, AFP commander Helen Schneider said they did highlight why it was so critical for Australian school communities to understand their role on the front line of defence.
"As Australian school communities prepare to ring in a new year, it's an exciting time for everyone involved, from teachers and principals to parents and guardians," Schneider said.
"But, in among that excitement, it's also timely to raise awareness of the role these communities have to play in helping to tackle the very real risk of forced marriage."
Forced marriage occurs when a person is married without freely and fully consenting, because they have been coerced, threatened or deceived, or because they are unable to understand the nature and effect of marriage due to age or mental capacity.
Schneider said it was a crime most people assumed didn't happen in Australia.
"But it can and it does — it could be happening in your neighbourhood and your street," she said.
"And, with potential victims often being school-aged, this makes school communities — from educators and parents through to fellow students — a key partner in awareness."
Schools uniquely placed to spot warning signs
The legal age for marriage in Australia is 18. A child aged 16 to 18 can obtain permission from a court to marry, but the person they wed must be an adult.
Schneider said forced marriage had historically been under-reported, partly because warning signs were often unrecognised.
She said schools were uniquely placed to help change that.
"Because educators interact with their students day in and day out, they get to know them at a fundamental level and build up an authentic picture of their personalities," she said.
"This uniquely positions them to identify any changes in behaviour that could seem incredibly subtle to an outsider, but may actually indicate a school-aged child is at risk of forced marriage."
Signs to watch out for
Warning signs can include limited independence or privacy, constant monitoring by a family member, concerns about planned overseas travel, or sudden changes in domestic circumstances.
Other indicators include:
— Sudden withdrawal or isolation from their school friends.
— Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, self-harm or panic attacks.
— A sudden drop in effort or performance in schoolwork.
— Expressing concerns of physical or psychological violence for not fulfilling family or community expectations.
— Older siblings who left education early or married young.
Schneider said forced marriage was particularly complex because family members could be both victims and perpetrators, making young people reluctant to seek help.
"People may not report this crime due to a lack of awareness of their rights, a distrust of law enforcement, and a fear of retribution, especially when the perpetrators are from their own communities or families," she said.
Victims urged to seek help
The ACCCE addresses forced marriage through its Human Exploitation Community Officer program, which places officers in at-risk areas, including schools, to provide advice on rights and support services.
While most reported victims are young women and girls, Schneider said anyone could be affected, regardless of gender, religion or ethnicity.
"If you suspect you, or someone you know at school, is being forced, threatened, coerced or deceived into marriage, please do not hesitate to seek help," she said.
"If you do not feel comfortable speaking to police there are other services and agencies that can provide support."
Forced marriage has been illegal in Australia since 2013, with laws strengthened in 2019 to extend protections to children under 16.
The offence can apply to legally recognised marriages, cultural or religious ceremonies, marriages conducted overseas, or cases where a person is taken abroad to be married. It also covers those who facilitate forced marriages.
It can also apply to legally recognised marriages, cultural or religious ceremonies, marriages which occur in Australia or where a person is taken overseas to be married, and can include the conduct of those involved in facilitating the forced marriage.
Forced marriages differ from legally arranged marriages, which are entered into with the full knowledge and consent of all parties.
If you suspect that you, or another person, has experienced, or is at risk of, forced marriage or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP's human trafficking online information report.
My Blue Sky, an initiative of ACCCE partner Anti-Slavery Australia, delivers specialised advice and support to individuals and communities affected by forced marriage.
Life Without Barrier's Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program, funded by the Federal Government, assists victims of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices.
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