This case involved the care arrangements for a 6 year old girl. The child’s mother, Ms Elia, claimed she had been forcibly married to Mr Essey at 14 years of age. She gave evidence that she did not consent to the marriage at the time, but was pushed into the marriage by her mother, who said she would be able to visit theme parks and eat ice cream and lollies when she was married. She gave evidence that she was the victim of family violence during the course of her co-habitation with Mr Essey. Ms Elia also gave evidence that Mr Essey had threatened to marry their daughter to a relative at 14 years of age. Ms Elia was granted sole parental responsibility of the child.
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