26 September 2025
Forced marriage can happen for many different reasons, such as community pressure, family expectations and control.
Regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or religious or cultural background, anybody can be a victim.
Through its Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program, Life Without Barriers supports people at risk of a forced marriage, as well as those who have been coerced, threatened or deceived into marrying.
Forced marriage is the most common form of modern slavery in Australia, and it is a crime.
While forced marriage tends to disproportionally affect young women and girls, it occurs across a wide range of communities. Misconceptions that forced marriage is a cultural or religious practice are misguided and damaging stereotypes.
No one should be forced, pressured or coerced into marriage.
Leaving a forced marriage can be incredibly challenging and traumatic, and often people need ongoing help to find a way through it.
Life Without Barriers' Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program runs nationwide, and supports people affected by, and vulnerable to, forced marriage.
The program offers legal, financial, social and emotional support designed to meet the unique needs of each individual.
If you are concerned someone you know is being forced to marry, call 1800 403 213 for a discreet conversation, email FMSSP.intake@lwb.org.au, or visit lwb.org.au/services/forced-marriage-support.
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