Young Girls at Risk of Forced Marriage

Forced Marriage is a Criminal Offence in Australia

Despite legislation being introduced to criminalise forced marriage in Australia in 2013 the practice is continuing. Young girls are being taken out of Australia to marry men who are often much older. This is a form of child trafficking. Here in Australia they are also being taken out of school to marry much older men. A recent report entitled Every Last Girl from the Save the Children charity indicates that a girl under the age of 15 is forced into marriage every seven seconds around the world. Professor Jennifer Burn, Director of Anti-Slavery Australia, comments on the importance of preventing forced marriage. For this to happen there is a need for greater community awareness. Read more…