3 December 2024
Life Without Barriers thanks the Government for announcing the delivery of the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program (FMSSP) over the next four years, which will support individuals affected by and vulnerable to forced marriage using trauma-informed models of care.
“Life Without Barriers welcomes the Federal Government’s investment over the next four years, to deliver this program and enable victims and survivors of forced marriage to access intensive, tailored case-managed support," said Chief Executive Officer of Life Without Barriers, Claire Robbs.
"Forced marriage is a distressing form of modern slavery, that affects many women, children, and vulnerable people across Australia.”
"We are proud to be a part of a collective effort, and partner with the Federal Government, community partners and sector colleagues to combat violence against women and children and to empower victim-survivors of modern slavery to rebuild their lives," Ms Robbs said.
Life Without Barriers will implement proven frameworks such as CARE and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention to ensure a comprehensive, strengths-based approach to addressing the complex dynamics of forced marriage.
“Case Managers, trained in trauma-informed practice and experienced in working with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, will provide tailored, individualised care to participants.”
In addition to one-on-one support, the program will include:
Awareness-raising initiatives to educate the public and service providers about the signs of forced marriage and how to respond.
Training for frontline workers and service providers to ensure the effective detection and intervention in cases of forced marriage.
Community engagement activities to promote early detection, prevention, and access to support services for at-risk individuals.
"Life Without Barriers will not only provide trauma-informed support to survivors but also work proactively to raise awareness and build capacity within the community to identify and respond to this form of modern slavery."
The FMSSP Program is fully aligned with national strategies to combat modern slavery, aznd violence against women and children, reinforcing the commitment to prevention, early intervention, and the protection of victim-survivors.
Media Enquiries
Angus Kelleher
E: angus.kelleher@secnewgate.com.au T: 0452 002 148
About Life Without Barriers:
Life Without Barriers is a registered Australian charity and social purpose organisation, delivering innovative, community-based programs to more than 25,000 people from diverse community groups across the country. Life Without Barriers is based in more than 440 communities delivering services to strengthen families, disability, out-of-home care, aged care, mental health, youth justice, homelessness, and support for refugees and asylum seekers.
Website www.lwb.org.au
LinkedIn Life Without Barriers
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