Make Forced Marriage in Australia a Crime

At the age of 12, Samia Kahn, pictured, found out that she was to be sold out by her parents into a forced marriage arrangement with her cousin.

Forced marriage is real, and it's happening here in Australia. It's estimated that there are 1,000 cases every year, just like Samia's, and in some instances the victims are male.

That's why we need your help to call upon the Australian Senate to pass new legislation on 5 February 2013 that will make forced marriage, and other slavery practices, a crime. The bill will not only help to combat modern slavery in Australia, but will broaden the scope for victims to be given support and assistance.

Tell your member of parliament to pass the Slavery, Slave-Like Practices and Human Trafficking Bill 2012 - and break the cycle of silence and isolation for modern slavery victims in Australia.