It is illegal to cause a person to enter a forced marriage, and to be a party to a forced marriage. Being a party to a forced marriage means agreeing to marry a person who you know or suspect is a victim of forced marriage, unless you are a victim of the forced marriage yourself.
Australia's response to forced marriage forms part of the Australian Government's strategy to combat serious forms of exploitation, including human trafficking, slavery, and other slavery-like practices such as servitude and forced labour.The Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995 (the Criminal Code) contains offences regarding forced marriage.
Help is available for those affected by forced marriage. Learn how to protect yourself and others by seeking help.
If there is immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
Otherwise, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) can provide initial advice to people who are in, or at risk of, a forced marriage. Contact with the AFP can be anonymous if desired.
Contact by telephone 131 AFP (131 237) or by completing online form at www.afp.gov.au
Reporting possible cases or to get free and confidential legal advice contact national forced marriage helpline: My Blue Sky www.mybluesky.org.au; calling (02) 9514 8115; SMS 0481 070 844 or Email help@mybluesky.org.au
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Australian Government
Attorney-General's Department
Address: Robert Garran Offices, 3-5 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600
Email: forcedmarriage@ag.gov.au
Website: www.ag.gov.au/forcedmarriage