Abstract
The study was concerned with secular trends in forced marriages in N.S.W. The definition of forced marriage was first nuptial birth occurring within six months of the wedding. The typical demographic profile of such marriages portends a “risk” of marital breakdown and child abuse. Formal analysis of the time series showed upward trends in the proportions of brides “at risk” in the 16-17 age groups, and in the proportions of children “at risk” born to brides in the 16 to 22 age range. The findings were discussed critically, and some prophylactic and remedial social measures suggested.