Senior AFP investigator reveals true extent of forced marriages amid concerning rise in reports

A senior AFP officer has warned forced marriages are a “major concern” for authorities, amid a surge in reports of the horrific crime.

AFP’s Tim Fairservice says the force is receiving “a number of reports daily” related to human trafficking, which includes forced marriages. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

A senior AFP officer has warned forced marriages are a “major concern” for authorities, amid a surge in reports of the horrific crime.

In the first major interview since a Sunday Telegraph investigation lifted the lid on young women across Sydney being forced to marry against their will, Australian Federal Police’s (AFP) Sergeant Timothy Fairservice has laid bare the severity of the issue.

Sgt Fairservice, who is a team leader of the human trafficking team from the Sydney office, said the AFP was receiving “a number of reports daily” related to human trafficking, which includes forced marriages.

“It’s a major concern to the AFP and to our members of the community,” he said.

“We’re seeing a large increase in the reports, mainly due to public awareness and some fantastic advertising campaigns.”

“But it’s a very confronting area to deal with, and the AFP is seeking to engage with these victims in a very trauma friendly way.”

According to the latest AFP national data, covering the 2024-25 financial year, there were 420 reports of human trafficking, an increase of 10 per cent from 382 the previous year, which equates to an average of one report per day.

This includes 118 reports of forced marriage, up from 91 reports from the previous financial year, and 75 reports of exit trafficking, an increase of 35 reports.

In many cultures, arranged marriages are accepted between two consenting adults and are legal in Australia, provided both parties freely agree to it.

However, this is very different to “forced marriages”, an issue Sgt Fairservice is addressing.

Since Australia outlawed forced marriages in 2013, just two people have been convicted.

Despite the low number of convictions, Sgt Fairservice said police were often focused on disrupting forced marriages as much as prosecuting offenders.

“Our priority is always the safety and rights of the victim in everything we do.”

Sgt Fairservice said while forced marriages mainly occurred overseas, it was a national issue.

“Due to our high population, Sydney does have incidents of forced marriage however this is a national problem that affects all levels of society.

“Forced marriages, and the orchestration of them, are occurring in many areas, and the victims may be living next door to you or sitting beside you at work.”

The seasoned AFP officer, who has been on the frontline for more than two decades, said he was particularly concerned about girls aged between 15 to 17, who may be most vulnerable and at risk.

“Young people are removed from schools and taken overseas for the purpose of forced marriages … and we do see that quite regularly.”

Sgt Fairservice said the AFP encouraged communities to look out for the signs of forced marriages.

“They (indicators) range from sudden unexplained absences, people who have family members who’ve previously been forcibly married themselves, unexplained pregnancies, people suddenly shopping for wedding clothing or jewellery and then being taken out of the workplace or a school without any explanation.

“The AFP is aware that these can be very traumatic events in people’s lives and we often see the ongoing, long term effects of that, which can include things like physical and mental trauma.”

Samira* (not her real name) pictured in September after revealing she was forced into marriage in Afghanistan. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

In September, The Sunday Telegraph revealed the story of Samira* who bravely spoke about her “traumatic” experience of being forced to leave her home in Sydney and travel to Afghanistan to marry her first cousin against her will.

Sgt Fairservice said the majority of victims were from very vulnerable and non-English speaking backgrounds.

“They may have a questionable visa status and may be unaware of Australians legal positions and their rights within Australia’s legal system.

“The AFP is very mindful of cultural sensitivities.

“Human exploitation community officers’ main role is to engage with all sorts of communities, to enable communities to speak for themselves and to provide us information, and for us to have a free flow backwards and forwards.”

Sgt Fairservice said victims of forced marriage were often “very fearful” and “distrustful of authorities”, which in some cases prevented them from reporting to police.

“They’re often very traumatised and we’re very careful to engage with our support services to give them the care that they need and the time that they need.”

He said the AFP had international posts overseas and officers could liaise with local police to support victims in cases of forced marriages.

“The AFP has provided information and awareness campaigns for frontline police and other government agencies who are likely to encounter indicators of forced marriage and equip them with the skills to enhance victim safety.

“School counsellors and our key school leaders are trained in looking for indicators of forced marriage.”

“At the airport, we have the Look a Little Deeper campaign with the posters everywhere. Our airport uniformed police are trained as our members of Australian Border Force and we do receive quite a number of referrals.”

He said working to combat human trafficking enabled him to provide crucial support to victims.

“It’s a wonderful experience to know that we’ve taken them away from a position where they could be placed into danger, where they could be physically, mentally, emotionally assaulted, and to give them a chance of a different prospect in life.

“If we don’t investigate a matter, we can still provide support and ongoing care for people and place them in contact with key services.”

If you suspect you, or some else is experiencing, or at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s confidential online form.

For additional support, contact:Life Without Barriers: 1800 403 213; mybluesky.org.au; Salvation Army: 1300 473 560

Originally published as Senior AFP investigator reveals true extent of forced marriages amid concerning rise in reports