As we have talked they have identified that they were survivors of forced marriage but hadn’t thought about it in that way before. ‘Yes, we’ve met some women who have come to community group meetings in Melbourne. It severely limits access to their human rights.’ Have you met women affected by forced marriage? If they are minors they might be unable to finish school, and must face the mental health risks of being pregnant when they are neither psychologically or physically ready. Pregnancy can often follow a forced marriage and the consequences are considerable. Choosing what they want is often curtailed and limited. ‘It can have a lifelong effect on a person’s options for their future. What are the consequences for those forced into marriage? The Red Cross video Forced Marriage in Australia above highlights some of the signs that a forced marriage may be about to happen. A decline in school performance can be another indicator.’
It turned out that she was going to be her own wedding. 'One girl told a teacher she was going overseas to a family wedding. ‘There are a number of potential indicators – for example unexpected travel over schools holidays can be a clue. ‘From what we understand it is workers on the front line in Australia who may become aware of instances of forced marriage, for example, teachers, community workers, social workers, psychologists, health workers and police.’ What are the indicators that a forced marriage is about to happen? In this case the young person is prepared to wear the cost of the decision themselves.’ What service providers are most likely to come across forced marriage? ‘Sometimes a young person is from a community that is more collective in nature, and they go through with the union for the greater benefit of the family. It may be harder for young men to come forward.’ Why do young people feel unable to express their choice in the matter? Men and boys may also be affected and may face more barriers in reporting. ‘Many survivors are minors, but it is noted that many adults also experience forced marriages. Or the marriage could be to support someone getting a visa or strengthening family links,’ she explains. Some families involved in forcing a marriage come from backgrounds where they are not used to the practice of having girlfriends and boyfriends, and they think that marrying their child will protect that child from an ‘unsuitable’ relationship.
For example, it might be about protecting their children’s sexuality or purity. ‘Families force marriages for different reasons. The issue of consent is very important, however, during the project we have found that consent can be understood differently by different people,’ Ms Shinkfield says. ‘There is not always a clear line between forced and arranged marriages, particularly in circumstances where there is pressure on a young person to do what the family wants them to do. In an arranged marriage, which is legal, the parties to the marriage freely choose whether to marry and are not faced with negative consequences if they choose not to go ahead with it. It’s worth noting that forced marriage is significantly different to an arranged marriage, she explains. ‘Through this engagement, we’ve come to understand that while people are affected, many are reluctant to report.’ Together we co-design activities that identify and build upon community strengths and prevention strategies, Ms Shinkfield says. Red Cross’ Forced Marriage Capacity Building Project seeks to engage with and empower communities who self-identify as being affected by the issue of forced marriage. Forcing a marriage can carry serious penalties including lengthy jail sentences.
It should be noted that under Australian law children under 16 are presumed incapable of understanding the nature and effect of a marriage ceremony. This may be due to their age or mental capacity. Under federal law, a marriage is defined as ‘forced’ if a person doesn‘t freely and fully consent, or they are incapable of understanding the nature and effect of a marriage ceremony. She is leading a project that supports communities in understanding that forced marriage is against the law. You might think that forced marriage was only a problem in the developing world, but it also happens in Australia, explains Sara Shinkfield, project leader with Red Cross Australia. In 2016 there were 15 million people in forced marriages around the world, according to the International Labour Organisation, and that number will grow, with Save the Children estimating 7.5 million girls are married illegally each year. This video was created with and for communities affected by forced marriage in Victoria.
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