My Blue Sky (mybluesky.org.
au) is a website dedicated to
preventing forced marriage in
Australia. It ofers immediate
support and legal advice to
vulnerable people through
a safe email or text message
system, as well as support
numbers and warning signs.
If you’re a teacher or
friend of someone you believe
is at risk, the best thing to do
is contact professionals. These
people are trained to deal withthe emotional, cultural and
social issues surrounding
forced marriage and can work
out a plan of action to ensure
the safety of the young woman.
Taking matters into your own
hands can put the person in a
more dangerous situation. Don’t
try to negotiate with her family
or take her away from home
without professional guidance.
Make sure any communication
can’t be accessed by her family.
Anything that alerts the familyto the fact she’s spoken out may
put her in harm’s way.
If you want to help young
women who have left home,
contact Salvation Army Safe
House at endslavery.salvos.
org.au. If you, or someone you
know, needs emergency refuge,
you can contact the Safe House
on 02 9211 5794. For advice,
call Kids Helpline on 1800 55
1800, 1800 RESPECT, My Blue
Sky on 02 9514 8115 or email
[email protected].
! "
#THE GRIM REALITY
$ %
!
&
#$
'
$
()
*
*
+
#
!
#
,
- . /-*
*
#
!
0 *
1
2
+
3
4
#
5
67
8 1
6(
#
9
3
3
8' #
!
'
8
0
1
3
'
'
8
' 3
#
1!
"!
"
3
#
If you or someone you know is at immediate
risk of a forced marriage, call the Australian
Federal Police on 131 237. In an emergency,
dial Triple Zero (000). For helplines and
advice, see below. #WHAT YOU
CANDOTO
HELP
...
66 COSMOPOLITAN.com.au TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 136 116