Austria launches campaign to protect girls from forced marriages
Austria’s Family Ministry has launched a new effort to protect girls from forced marriages, warning that the risk increases during school holidays when families may take children abroad, according to ORF News.
Family and Integration Minister Claudia Bauer announced that an informational brochure will be distributed in schools identified as high-risk areas. The guide is aimed at informing girls about their rights and helping them recognize warning signs of coercion or abuse.
Speaking on national radio, Bauer said the holiday period can be especially dangerous. “There is a risk that girls are taken out of the country and forced into marriage,” she noted, stressing the need for awareness and early action.
The brochure clearly states that no one has the right to force a girl into marriage or harm her body. It also addresses the issue of female genital mutilation, emphasizing that such practices are illegal and a violation of basic human rights.
Girls are encouraged to pay attention to warning signs, such as being given vague or unclear information about travel plans, having their phones monitored, or hearing suggestive comments like “You will meet a nice man there.” These signals, officials say, may indicate preparations for a forced marriage.
The ministry also urges those at risk to seek help from trusted adults, including teachers or counselors, and to identify safe places where they can turn if they feel threatened. Practical advice includes keeping personal documents secure and saving contact numbers for support services.
The brochure directs readers to several support organizations, including the Austrian Integration Fund’s women’s center, the national women’s helpline against violence, the youth crisis service Rat auf Draht, and specialized protection centers.
Officials say the initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard vulnerable girls and ensure they know their rights, especially at times when they may be most at risk.
