Reports of human trafficking and slavery to the AFP have reached an all-time high, following a 12 per cent increase in the 2023-24 financial year revealed in new statistics released today as part of the United Nations' World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDATIP).
The theme for WDATIP 2024 is 'Leave no child behind in the fight against human trafficking', to focus on accelerating global efforts to combat child trafficking.
Globally, data from the United Nations shows one in three victims of human trafficking is a child.
In the 2023-24 financial year, 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.
AFP Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said the statistics on human trafficking were more than just numbers.
"They represent innocent lives in the community. By raising awareness of the laws in Australia and supporting victims, we can make strides in eradicating this crime," Commander Schneider said.
"This increase is likely attributed to increased awareness of these crimes in the Australian community."
In the 2023-24 financial year, the AFP received 382 reports of human trafficking and slavery, which 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; and
- One report of organ trafficking.
In early July, the AFP dismantled an organised criminal group allegedly involved in the trafficking of a child from Indonesia to engage in sex work.
As part of the AFP's commitment to combatting human trafficking and slavery offences in Australia, and as a result of victim assessments done by AFP human trafficking investigators, 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 2024 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 2025.
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.
"The AFP places the physical and emotional wellbeing of a victim as our first and most important concern," Commander Schneider said.
"Victims may want to be removed from harmful situations but may not wish to proceed with criminal justice measures and we must respect that.
"This represents a critical step to addressing the scourge of human trafficking in the Australian community and it's a job the AFP and our partners will work together to combat."
The Australian community can 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.
A list of signs to identify potential human trafficking and slavery in Australia are available on the AFP website.
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.
