Reports of human trafficking in Australia have reached an alarming high, with the number of documented cases doubling over the past year. According to data released by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on October 1, 2023, there were 420 reports of human trafficking during the 2024/25 financial year, a notable increase from 382 reports in the previous year. This 10 percent rise underscores the growing concern regarding forced removal and modern slavery in the country.
The surge in reports is particularly significant in the area of exit trafficking, which rose from 35 to 75 cases. Exit trafficking occurs when individuals are coerced, threatened, or deceived into leaving a country. Other categories also showed increases, with reports of forced marriage climbing from 91 to 118, and sexual servitude slavery rising from 59 to 84. There were fewer reports of forced labour, trafficking in persons, debt bondage, and deceptive recruiting, and no cases were reported for organ trafficking or harbouring.
Understanding the Implications of the Data
AFP Commander Helen Schneider described the overall increase in reports as “just the tip of the iceberg.” She noted that the rise in awareness among Australians regarding the indicators of human trafficking has likely contributed to the higher number of reports. “What we see from these figures is a trending increase in forced marriage and exit trafficking reports,” Schneider stated. She emphasized that outreach programs aimed at at-risk communities might be encouraging more people to report suspicious activities.
The data also reveals that over 90 percent of exit trafficking victims are women, illustrating a vulnerability among this demographic. According to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation, human trafficking affects individuals across all ages, genders, cultures, religions, and socio-economic groups. Schneider pointed out that the indicators of human trafficking vary by crime type, but common signs include individuals facing violence or threats, lack of access to earnings or identity documents, restricted communication, and visible signs of fear or anxiety.
Community Engagement and Awareness Initiatives
To combat human trafficking, the AFP has implemented community outreach programs that delivered over 900 presentations last financial year. These engagements focused on educating the public about the signs of human trafficking and the resources available for those in need of assistance. Schneider urged that any piece of information, no matter how small, could help protect individuals at risk of exploitation.
For those seeking support, resources are available through national services such as 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for sexual abuse support, Lifeline (13 11 14), and Beyondblue (1300 22 4636). As awareness continues to grow, the hope is that more individuals will come forward, contributing to the fight against human trafficking in Australia.
