In Australia, the goal is simple: people should have freedom to choose how they live and work, in communities where they feel safe and supported.
Image: A woman from behind, she is sitting on a bed and looking out the window.
Modern slavery happens when people are forced, threatened, or tricked into situations where they are exploited and have their basic freedoms taken away.
This can include forced labour, being trapped by debt, human trafficking, and forced marriage. Those caught in these situations often face abuse, including physical and sexual violence, and are unable to make their own decisions or freedom to leave.
Sophie Clarke, Senior Policy and Advocacy Lead at Life Without Barriers said that modern slavery remains a significant issue in Australia.
"Modern slavery breaches fundamental human rights and occurs more often in Australia than most people think," Sophie said.
"Slavery robs people’s dignity and freedom and places them in unsafe and unacceptable situations. But it is a complex, hidden problem, difficult to address."
A common but drastically underreported form of modern slavery in Australia is forced marriage. A forced marriage occurs when someone is married without freely and fully consenting because they have been coerced, threatened or deceived, or when they aren’t able to understand the meaning and consequences of getting married.
Forced marriage is not the same as an arranged marriage.
Panos Massouris, Director Immigration Support Services, said that forced marriage can happen to anyone, anywhere.
"Forced marriage is a human rights violation that can happen to anyone—regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, culture, or background," Panos said.
"It is not bound by geography or tradition but is a universal issue that demands awareness, protection, and collective action."
Forced marriage is a criminal offence in Australia and is recognised as a form of domestic and family violence under Australian law. Still, the issue is complex and often tied to social, cultural, and familial pressures, making it harder for people to escape.
Life Without Barriers launched the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program (FMSSP) in January 2025, providing holistic, wrap-around support for people at risk of, or currently experiencing, forced marriage in Australia.
"We are proud to be part of a collective effort and to partner with the Federal Government to combat violence against women and children, empowering victim-survivors of modern slavery to rebuild their lives." Panos shared.
The program is designed to offer flexible, long-term support, with no time limits or reliance on the criminal justice system. It allows individuals to access help through two pathways: self-referral or referral by a community or agency.
The program works alongside other organisations, Anti-Slavery Australia, The Red Cross, and The Salvation Army, ensuring comprehensive support.
"The Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program helps individuals navigate their choices and build the skills and confidence they need to live the lives they choose." Panos said.
The goal of the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program is twofold. At the individual level, it seeks to empower people to make their own decisions and regain control over their lives—whether that means becoming independent or reconnecting with family. At the community level, the program works to raise awareness about forced marriage, educating people about the signs and how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Life Without Barriers is dedicated to upholding human rights in Australia and will continue our efforts to create a society where everyone can live free from exploitation and coercion.
Get Support - Help is Here
Life Without Barriers is dedicated to providing discreet and accessible support to those in need. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or is at risk of experiencing, forced marriage, there are several ways to access support:
Call 1800 403 213 for a confidential conversation with a trained support worker.
Visit the Life Without Barriers forced marriage page to register for support and learn more about available resources.
National Help Lines: In case of immediate danger, contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 1800 737 732 or 1800RESPECT for text and online 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.
