For the first time in history, three men have faced court accused of arranging a forced marriage between two teenagers, one aged between 13 and 15 and the other 17.
The two children in Western Australia are believed to have wanted to date, but were told by their relatives that for cultural reasons they would have to marry first.
Three men – one a relative of the girl and the other two of the boy – appeared in Perth Magistrates Court on Friday charged with coercing a person into marriage after allegedly facilitating a religious wedding ceremony for the couple last year.
Forced marriage has been illegal in Australia since 2013.
However, the Australian Federal Police, which laid the charges, says this is the first time such a case has been brought in Western Australia.
The legal age for marriage in Australia is 18, but a child over 16 can marry with the consent of a court.
If convicted, the men face a maximum sentence of nine years in prison.
The case has been postponed until August.
Three men have faced Perth Magistrates Court accused of facilitating a forced marriage
Forced marriages have been illegal in Australia since 2013, but the current charges are the first in Western Australia (file image)
Forced marriage is legally defined as forcing someone into marriage without their free and full consent, whether through coercion, threat or deception.
AFP Detective Superintendent Peter Chwal said forced marriage was not limited to any cultural group, religion or ethnicity.
“Anyone can be a victim of forced marriage, regardless of age, gender or sexual orientation,” she said.
Forced marriage can apply to legally recognised marriage, cultural or religious ceremonies that take place in Australia or when a person is taken overseas to marry.
Detective Chwal added that it was a complex crime because often family members were both the victims and the perpetrators.
“If victims do not feel comfortable speaking directly to police, there are many services and agencies that can provide support to help ensure their safety,” she said.
If you suspect that you or someone else is experiencing or is at risk of being a victim of forced marriage or human trafficking, AFP recommends calling 131 AFP (237) or using the AFP online information report on human trafficking.
For confidential information and advice, contact the Australian Red Cross on 1800 113 015 or visit redcross.org.au/stpp.