Why No Prosecutions?

Victims Reluctant to Come Forward

Forced Marriage became a criminal offence in March 2013 but to date there have been no prosecutions despite 230 cases being referred to the Australian Federal Police. At the recent inaugural conference on forced marriage participants from Australia and beyond considered the reasons for this situation. Professor Jennifer Burn, Director of Anti-Slavery Australia, suggested that Australia needs a preventative protection scheme instead of just a criminal response. ACRATH members Christine Carolan and Liz Payne conducted workshops during the conference. Read more…