Literature Review on Forced Marriages
This literature review on forced marriage in Australia emphasises the complexity and multifaceted nature of the issue, highlighting that forced marriage is not limited to specific cultural or religious groups. Criticisms are placed on the reliance on criminalisation as the primary policy response since the practice was criminalised in 2013. It argues that criminal frameworks alone fail to address the systemic, cultural, and socio-economic factors that contribute to forced marriage. The review identifies gaps in data collection, limited understanding of forced marriage dynamics, and barriers to reporting, including shame, fear of family ostracism, and mistrust of authorities.
FECCA recommends adopting a broader vulnerabilities and intersectionality framework that integrates family violence and human rights perspectives. Advocating for community-led education initiatives, culturally sensitive research practices, and civil protections like those in the UK, such as Forced Marriage Protection Orders. The review underscores the need for tailored, context-specific policy responses that prioritise victim safety and empower CALD communities, moving beyond interventionist approaches that may perpetuate stigmatisation or alienate communities.
