Seven people investigated over suspected forced marriages in Vorarlberg

Police investigated seven people in Vorarlberg over suspected forced marriages in 2025, according to figures reported by ORF. Nationwide, 17 suspects were investigated, according to a response from the Interior Ministry to a parliamentary inquiry by the Freedom Party.

It is not possible to say with certainty why Vorarlberg accounts for such a large share of the suspects. With almost 15,000 marriages taking place across Austria each year, the national total is low, although the number of unreported cases is likely higher. The figures may also reflect greater vigilance in Vorarlberg, where the relevant organisations are well connected.

Lea Putz-Erath of the Femail women’s counselling service told ORF Vorarlberg that many organisations in the network understand the issue and know where to refer people when they notice warning signs.

Suspect figures do not equal case numbers

The investigation of seven people in Vorarlberg does not represent seven cases. If a woman is forced into a marriage, investigators may target her husband, her father, her mother, her brothers, or all of them.

Four women in Vorarlberg and 13 nationwide were recorded as victims. All the victims were women. The figures refer only to suspected cases, and forced marriages are difficult to prove, particularly when victims do not testify. Austria recorded just one conviction for the offence in 2025.

Victims, friends and relatives can contact counselling services, Putz-Erath said. Femail can help with the next steps and provide information about further support. She also pointed to the Amazone association and the violence centre as possible points of contact, noting that forced marriage is a form of violence that can be linked to other forms of abuse.