Determined to reclaim her life and recover after a traumatic past.
After surviving the trauma of modern slavery, Lina* turned to The Freedom Hub, determined to rebuild her life. With no support network and feeling deeply isolated, she faced her new beginning alone.
At first, Lina was hesitant and unsure of whom to trust. Slowly, however, she began to engage with our classes and connect with our support team.
Recently, she shared:
“I now feel confident enough to go to the local playgroup, have a friendly chat with my neighbours, and even head to the library on my own.“
Through trust, connection, and gentle encouragement, Lina is taking meaningful steps forward—reclaiming her freedom and confidence one day at a time.
*Name changed to protect identity
Forced Marriage in Australia: A Continuing Violation of Human Rights
It is a serious and often hidden human rights abuse. It particularly affects women and girls. Shockingly, it remains the most commonly reported form of modern slavery in the country.
While it’s often linked to global supply chains, forced marriage also happens much closer to home. It occurs in our neighbourhoods, schools, and even workplaces.
People affected by forced marriage come from many different backgrounds. These include varied cultural, social, and economic groups. In almost 90% of reported cases, the marriage was arranged or forced by family members.
This kind of family involvement makes it much harder for victims to speak up. They may fear shame, cultural rejection, or losing their loved ones.
In addition, forced marriage rarely happens in isolation. It is often tied to other forms of abuse. For example, more than half of the victims report emotional or psychological manipulation. Nearly one in five also experiences physical or sexual violence.
Importantly, the coercion doesn’t start with the wedding. In many cases, it begins long before, through pressure, threats, or emotional blackmail. These controlling behaviours often build up slowly and can continue for months or years.
To prevent this abuse, we need to see forced marriage as a long-term process. It is not just a single event.
As a result, policies must reflect the real-life experiences of survivors. With better understanding and support, we can help stop forced marriage in Australia.
Learn more here, and don’t forget to check our website for further reading.
For assistance and support for women who have been trapped in servitude, you may contact us or call our hotline 1800FREEHUB