AS THE state stirs in the revelation of underage forced marriages coming to light in Sydney, the Clarence Valley has not escaped the controversy.

According to the 2011 Census, the Clarence Valley ranks seventh in the state for having the highest number of underage de facto marriages.

The figures showed that 16 people, all aged 17, had identified themselves in 2011 as living in a de facto marriage or relationship.

As to the circumstances of these de facto relationships, it remains unknown, but one cannot assume they are forced or inappropriate, as has been claimed elsewhere in the state.

Grafton mental health social worker Jodie Johnson said there were many reasons why a child could be living in a de facto situation.

"Some teenagers have lived with family violence, substance-using parents/carers, interpersonal conflict, poverty/financial pressures and other forms of abuse for their entire life," Miss Johnson said.

"For these teenagers, when they hit middle adolescence (14-16 years) they may try to leave home to escape from the abuse and conflict.

"For teenagers there are not a lot of youth housing or private rental options and sharing with a boyfriend/girlfriend/partner may be the only option available to them."

A forced de facto relationship or one where there are abuse issues involved, as has made headlines in Sydney this week, is a different story.

New South Wales Minister for Women Pru Goward has called on anyone who knows of a non-consensual de facto marriage to report it for investigation.

"Every young girl in Australia has the right to enjoy their childhood free from the constraints of a live-in de facto marriage," Ms Goward said.

"I have written to the Federal Government seeking their help with this issue and inquiring about any plans and proposals the Australian Government may have for actions in this area.

"If these girls are still under 18, it is a child protection matter."

Ms Goward said unless people came forward, the issue of underage de facto marriages would remain hidden behind closed doors.

"I can't say categorically this has always been an issue," she said.

"I am anecdotally aware of it but unless specific cases are brought to the attention of a public authority, we are unable to identify them or investigate."

This action comes after a 12-year-old girl was forced to marry a 26-year-old man in the family's living room in Sydney on January 12, which later led to the arrest of Pakistani imam Riaz Tasawar, who allegedly "wed" the couple.

"Everyone should be aware that underage de facto marriages or sham marriages that are overseen by any supposed religious leader are not legal in this country," Ms Goward said.

"I would encourage them to report the circumstances to their local police station or Community Service office."

What is a de facto marriage?

• A de facto marriage, or de facto relationship, is one where two adults live together as a couple.
• It is not enough to live in the same house, or even to sleep in the same bed. To have a de facto relationship you must both intend to live together as a couple.