Sometimes people are hidden behind closed doors, sometimes they are hidden in plain sight. The person who attaches the gutters to your roof, cares for your neighbour’s children, cleans your car, makes your clothes or serves your food could be a victim.
Victims of human trafficking, slavery, forced labour, a slave-like or forced marriage may come to your service seeking support and assistance. They are often not aware that they are victims of these crimes and will rely on your knowledge to identify their situation and help.
Exploitation is a key indicator of slavery or human trafficking, though is not solely determinative of human trafficking and slavery. It depends on how that exploitation was achieved. Most people experiencing human trafficking or slavery are being exploited and can articulate a loss of freedom or inability to change their situation. Sometimes this is achieved through physical violence, threats, restraints and control. Passports and other identifying documents may be confiscated and victims may be told they owe a debt to someone.
In other instances, a loss of freedom is inflicted more subtly through psychological control. Traffickers and slaveholders may use their caste or dominant position to manipulate victims and make false promises. Using the trafficked or enslaved person’s vulnerabilities, lack of rights awareness and dependence on their trafficker, a “prison without walls” is created.
New Commonwealth criminal offences were recently passed into a law that greatly increases Australia’s chances of more effectively targeting this criminal behaviour and supporting victims.
The Slavery, Slavery-like Conditions and People Trafficking Bill came into force in March. It creates new offences targetting a broader range of exploitative conduct such as forced labour, servitude, harbouring a victim, forced marriage and organ trafficking. These offences were developed out of the case experiences of law enforcement and NGOs and the inadequacies of existing offences to address abuses. The new offences recognise psychological oppression and victim vulnerabilities as elements of these crimes. This is a major step forward in addressing a broad range of exploitative conduct.
The Forced Marriage offence has arisen out of preliminary research and cases involving young girls and boys who were or would be forced to marry via deception, forced, psychological or other abuse. It is critical that community members are alert to young people who may be at risk and that any disclosures receive an appropriate response. Forced marriage is child abuse and must be reported to child protection authorities. If a forced marriage is imminent (overseas or in Australia), contact local and Australian Federal Police. A young person should be made aware of their right to legal advice and to support services as soon as possible.
The Salvation Army can offer comprehensive and culturally appropriate support to clients regardless of visa status or access to income. There is no requirement to engage with law enforcement in order to receive support. Support may include accommodation and case management, non-residential case management, prevention case management and assistance to families in countries of origin.
The Salvation Army Safe House (02) 9211 5794 www.justiceunit.com.au
