Forced Marriage Support

In a joint media release Attorney General Mark Dreyfus KC MP and Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth MP have announced new support for victims of modern slavery. Funding of $12.1 million over the next five years will be allocated to the Forced Marriage Support Program, which aims to provide prevention and early intervention support for those who need it.

In addition $2.2 million over 5 years is being allocated to extend the Speak Now initiative. The Speak Now project, delivered by Anti-Slavery Australia, aims to prevent forced marriage through education, awareness raising, and collaboration with the sector.

According to the Australian Federal Police, forced marriages are the most frequently reported form of modern slavery in our country.

Sarah Puls, the acting Executive Officer of ACRATH, shares her thoughts on this announcement and emphasizes the specialised support that victim/survivors of forced marriage require in this interview with SBS. Listen to the interview here.