Frightened of being forced to marry against her will, and with a history of experiencing family violence, Alisha fled back to Australia.
Image: A woman is sitting at a desk with their hand on their chin, they are wearing glasses and have dark hair.
Alisha* came to Australia in 2023 and was supported by her family to live and pursue her study. Alisha was enjoying the opportunities that learning was giving her and she worked hard to establish herself in her new life.
After studying for a few years, Alisha received word that a close family member was unwell, and she was asked to return to her home country.
When Alisha arrived home, she quickly realised that her family was wanting her to return, not because of an ill family member, but to introduce her to suitors in preparation for marriage.
Frightened of being forced to marry against her will, and with a history of experiencing family violence, Alisha fled back to Australia.
This was incredibly hard for Alisha, as her family withdrew all financial support, including her university tuition and support for rent and living expenses.
“I felt helpless. I felt really low. I blamed myself. I didn ’t want to reach out for help or even be around anyone," Alisha said.
This meant Alisha came back to Australia vulnerable, with no stable housing, unable to pay her university fees and feeling a sense of hopelessness and helplessness. Alisha was struggling to see a path forward with no support.
It was then that Alisha was referred to Life Without Barriers' forced marriage program.
Recognising the risks Alisha faced, including pressure to return to her country of origin and her risk of homelessness, her Life Without Barriers case manager immediately established a safety plan and created several support measures to support her.
Given she had lost the ability to pay for her student accommodation, Alisha was supported to apply for financial support and was able to secure a new home, providing much needed safety.
"But then this program came along, there’s no words to describe how much I appreciated it. I’ve never felt so protected or safe."
Life Without Barriers connected Alisha to a financial counsellor where she was helped to apply for additional part-time work and supported to prepare to return to study.
Alisha’s physical and mental health was severely impacted by the trauma of her experience. Her case manager was able to advocate for her to receive humanitarian access to Medicare.
Thanks to the ongoing support of the program, Alisha is now in an almost unrecognisable place from where she had been.
"I’m finally feeling in control of my own life, like I can truly make decisions for myself." Alisha shared.
"And just knowing that I have the team there as steady supports, if I was to need something, is so comforting."
In addition to stable living arrangements and consistent employment, she is working with her university to apply for humanitarian support to resume her studies.
With a robust support network around her of friends, healthcare workers, legal representatives and her Life Without Barriers case manager, Alisha is now emotionally and physically supported, and living a life where she makes her own decisions, advocates for herself and is living a life of her own choosing.
Names have been changed to protect the people in this story.
Forced marriage is a crime and should always be reported.
If you’re concerned that a friend or family member is being forced to marry, or you’re a supporting agency, you can safely refer them for dedicated and discreet support. Get support from Life Without Barriers by calling 1800 403 213.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family, or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit the 1800RESPECT website for online chat and video call services. Life Without Barriers is funded by the Department of Social Services to provide the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program. Further information is available on the Department of Social Services website.
