Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program
About the program
The Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program (FMSSP) is delivered nationally by Life Without Barriers(Opens in a new tab/window). The FMSSP provides tailored support to people who are at risk of, or who have experienced, forced marriage.
FMSSP case managers help victims and survivors to access supports to help them to recover and heal from their forced marriage experiences. These supports may include:
- suitable accommodation
- medical treatment
- counselling
- family mediation, where appropriate and safe to do so
- referral to legal and migration advice
- skills development training, including English-language classes and vocational guidance
- social support.
The FMSSP aligns with commitments the Australian Government has made under the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-32 and the National Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020-2025(Opens in a new tab/window).
Support without engaging with law enforcement
The FMSSP recognises victims and survivors of forced marriage may be reluctant to take part in an investigation or prosecution against those who are forcing them to marry. They are often parents, relatives or community members.
Access to the FMSSP does not require victims and survivors to engage with law enforcement agencies, such as the Australian Federal Police (AFP), or pursue a criminal justice process to access support.
However, victims and survivors who decide they do want to pursue criminal justice will be supported throughout these processes under the FMSSP.