Victims of modern slavery

What is modern slavery

Modern slavery refers to the exploitation of people through various means. 

It can include:

• sex trafficking
• forced labour
• debt bondage
• domestic servitude
• forced marriage.

Modern slavery is a violation of human rights as victims are denied their right to freedom and safety. They are often subjected to physical, psychological, or emotional abuse.

Modern slavery is a serious offence in Australia.

Examples of modern slavery

A person is a victim or at risk of modern slavery if they:

• have no access to their personal identification documents such as a passport or travel documents
• work for long hours for little or no pay and have no entitlements
• think they owe money to their employer and works for free to pay off their debt
• feel fear for their safety and show signs of physical or psychological abuse, or 
• are threatened or forced by family members or others to marry someone.

For more information, see Modern slavery resources on the Australian Red Cross website.

Get help

If you are in immediate danger, or where the situation involves a child, call 000.

To report modern slavery, you can call the Australian Federal Police on 131 237 or Report a crime on the Australian Federal Police website. 

Victims can also get help from some free services:

• The Australian Red Cross assists victims of modern slavery through their support programs. For more information, call 1800 113 015 or see Support for trafficked people on the Australian Red Cross website.
• Anti-Slavery Australia can provide free and confidential legal and migration advice. For more information, see the Anti-Slavery Australia website. 
• My Blue Sky can provide free help and support for victims of forced marriage. You can call (02) 9514 8115 or email help@mybluesky.org.au or see www.mybluesky.org.au

Between 23 July 2024 until 28 November 2025, the Department of Social Services will fund the Support for Trafficked People Program through the Australian Red Cross. The pilot program will provide assistance to all victims and survivors of modern slavery without going through law enforcement. To find out if you are eligible for the pilot program, contact the Salvation Army on 1800 000 277 or see Additional Referral Pathway on the Salvation Army website.