Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister for Immigration and Border Protection) Share this | Hansard source

Child and forced marriage is about abuse, subjugation and exploitation. When girls are forced into marriage, they are often prevented from finishing school and they are at high risk of early pregnancy and serious complications, even death, resulting from being pregnant too young. They may have restrictions imposed on their freedom and can suffer emotional and physical abuse and sexual assault, contributing to anxiety and depression. Child and forced marriage continues to be an impediment not only to the economic, legal, health and social status of women and girls but to the development of the community as a whole. The empowerment of, and investment in, women and girls, as well as their meaningful participation in decisions that affect them, is a key factor in breaking the cycle of gender inequality and discrimination, violence and poverty. The complex and challenging nature of child and forced marriage necessitates the collective efforts of government, law-makers, judicial authorities, law enforcement officials, and community and religious leaders to address both the causes and consequences.