Reports of human trafficking in Australia jumped by more than 10 percent last year.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) released the latest data to coincide with the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
AFP Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said reports of human trafficking and slavery to the AFP had reached an all-time high, following an increase in the 2023-24 financial year.
Commander Schneider said the AFP received 382 reports of modern slavery and human trafficking offences, an increase of 12.35 per cent from 340 reports the previous financial year.
She said globally, data from the United Nations showed, one in three victims of human trafficking was a child.
“The statistics on human trafficking are more than just numbers. They represent innocent lives in the community.”
Commander Schneider said the increase in Australia was likely attributed to increased awareness of these crimes in the community.
The reports of human trafficking and slavery included:
- 109 reports of human trafficking (inclusive of entry, exit and child trafficking).
- 91 reports of forced marriage.
- 69 reports of forced labour.
- 59 reports of sexual exploitation.
- 21 reports of domestic servitude.
- 10 reports of debt bondage.
- 16 reports of deceptive recruitment.
- Four reports of slavery.
- Two reports of harbouring.
- One report of organ trafficking.
Commander Schneider earlier this month the AFP dismantled an organised criminal group allegedly involved in the trafficking of a child from Indonesia to engage in sex work.
She said victims were placed in the Support for Trafficked Persons Program currently administered by the Department of Social Services.
“To further enhance support to victims who may not be ready to contact police, an additional referral pathway has been introduced in July to enable direct referrals to the program by community providers.
“The Government is also working to implement a new support program for those at-risk of, or who have experienced, forced marriage, from January next year.”
Commander Schneider said the roll-out of the program with other agencies formed part of the AFP’s victim-centric approach to human trafficking and forced marriage.
She said the community could assist by being aware of the signs of human trafficking and reporting the sign of human trafficking, which include:
- Appearing to be under the control of someone else and reluctant to interact with others.
- Not having access to personal identification.
- Appearing frightened, withdrawn, or showing signs of physical or psychological abuse.
- Having no access or control of their earnings.
- Showing signs their movements are being controlled.
If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing, or at risk of human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP’s human trafficking online information report.
