The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has reported a significant increase in human trafficking incidents, with the number of cases rising to 420 reports during the 2024-25 financial year. This marks a 10 percent increase from the previous year’s 382 reports, averaging nearly one report every day. The most prevalent case type was forced marriage, accounting for 118 reports, followed by sexual servitude with 84 cases and exit trafficking, which more than doubled from 35 cases in 2023-24 to 75 cases this year.
In a statement, AFP Commander Helen Schneider emphasized that the rise in reported cases may represent “just the tip of the iceberg,” as many incidents likely go unreported. She noted that the increased figures could also reflect greater community engagement, encouraging victims and witnesses to come forward.
Complex Nature of Human Trafficking
The challenges surrounding human trafficking are multifaceted. According to Justine Nolan, a professor at the Australian Human Rights Institute, human trafficking is a complex crime that is often hidden beneath the surface of Australian society. She remarked, “We are seeing greater education and awareness in the community, so the increase in numbers is, I think, primarily driven by that awareness.”
Despite Australia’s relative prosperity, Professor Nolan warned that modern slavery persists. She stressed the need for greater investment to address the issue effectively. “Many of the organizations trying to address this problem are operating on a shoestring budget,” she explained, highlighting the critical role of not-for-profit organizations as the first point of contact for victims.
Victims often exhibit a significant level of trauma and mistrust towards authorities. Lina Garcia, senior manager of anti-trafficking response at the Salvation Army, noted, “One of the things we see people come to the program with is a significant mistrust of authorities.” Many victims arrive with no documents, money, or resources, making recovery challenging.
Indicators of Exploitation
Signs of exploitation can manifest in various ways. In workplaces, indicators include the withholding of crucial documents, such as passports, forced payment of recruitment fees, and restrictions on communication. In private homes, the signs may be less visible, often limited to interactions with officials like passport exit officers or visa processors.
Garcia pointed out that many victims are fearful of reprisals, especially concerning threats to their families, either in Australia or abroad. “We see people come with literally nothing,” she stated, emphasizing the dire circumstances that many victims face upon seeking help.
Recovery from trafficking is rarely a straightforward process. Garcia noted that government support is often time-limited, which can exacerbate difficulties for victims. “For some people, the time available is more than enough,” she said. “For others, they really require need-based support rather than time-based support.” Additionally, victims may have dependents who are not typically recognized as victims themselves, complicating their situations further.
The increase in human trafficking reports in Australia highlights a pressing need for comprehensive support systems and sustained investment in anti-trafficking initiatives. As awareness grows, it remains critical to address both the immediate needs of victims and the broader societal issues that allow such exploitation to persist.
