Canberra, March 19 (IANS): The Australian government on Thursday issued a safety guide aimed at helping young women facing the prospect of a forced marriage.

Justice Minister Michael Keenan released a statement announcing the "how-to" guide was uploaded to the Attorney-General's Department web site to help women develop secret safety plans to escape the illegal practice, Xinhua news agency reported.

The guide offers tips for girls to leave home quickly, secretly purchase cheap mobile phones and use "safe" words to confirm their identities.

The plan also encourages potential victims to save the number of the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in a mobile phone under a name that won't arouse suspicion.

There is also a form prompting women to provide details, including what documentation to take if leaving home quickly ( passport, drivers license, marriage and birth certificate), what to do once they have escaped, what to do when being followed and how to keep children safe.

"Forced marriage is an insidious and hidden crime. It is illegal and there is no place for it in Australia," the justice minister said.

"This government is reaching out to the mostly young women and girls who may feel vulnerable to forced marriage because we want them to find help and stay safe."

"We will prosecute anyone found to be coercing, threatening or deceiving someone into marriage," Keenan added.