More than $9 million allocated to aid victims of forced marriage throughout Australia
The program will offer personalized support for individuals at risk of forced marriage, starting in January 2025. It will include funding for health, counseling, legal assistance, and emergency services.
The Albanese Labor government is introducing the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program, investing over $9.3 million (US$6 million) in the nonprofit organization Life Without Barriers to provide services nationwide.
This program will deliver intensive, tailored support for those at risk of forced marriage over a period of four years. Starting in January 2025, services will cover health, well-being, and social support, including access to counseling, legal aid, and emergency accommodation if needed.
Amanda Rishworth, the Minister for Social Services, emphasized that the primary goal of the program is to empower victims and survivors to achieve independence and self-determination.
Funding allocated to Life Without Barriers will ensure that victims and survivors of forced marriage receive comprehensive and individualized case-managed support as they navigate their options and legal rights,” Rishworth stated.
Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, Justine Elliot, will provide updates on the specialist program during a roundtable meeting on human trafficking and slavery.
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Dreyfus stressed that forced marriage constitutes a severe form of modern slavery, affecting victims, families, and communities significantly.
Rising Domestic Violence Rates
The inaugural Domestic, Family, and Sexual Violence Report released in August this year displayed alarming statistics, including 43 women murdered by their partners in the 2023 financial year and an 11 percent increase in sexual violence cases.
Michaela Cronin, the domestic violence commissioner, highlighted the urgent need to address this issue and stated, “Advocates are bravely shedding light on these critical issues and calling for action.”
Justine Elliot, the Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence, emphasized the prevalence of gender-based violence in Australia, noting that more than 5,000 weekly calls were made to the police regarding such incidents.
Sussan Ley, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, expressed concern about the inadequacy of current efforts in addressing family and domestic violence, citing a 16 percent annual increase in reported incidents across Australia.
Ley also mentioned the increase in fatalities, with 35 women killed this year due to family and domestic violence, leaving 55 children without mothers.
From November 25 to December 10, Australian Parliament House will illuminate orange in the evenings to mark the 16 Days of Activism campaign against gender-based violence.
