Reported cases of human trafficking increased by 12 per cent last financial year, Australian Federal Police data reveals.
That included 109 reports of human trafficking, 91 of forced marriage, 69 of forced labour, 59 of sexual exploitation, four of slavery and one report of organ trafficking.
The AFP attributed the significant rise in reporting in the 2023-24 financial year to an increased awareness of human trafficking in the Australian community.
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”By raising awareness of the laws in Australia and supporting victims, we can make strides in eradicating this crime,” AFP Human Exploitation Commander Helen Schneider said.
“The (reports) represent innocent lives in the community.”
One in three victims of human trafficking globally is a child, according to United Nations data.
Earlier this month AFP dismantled an organised criminal group allegedly involved in trafficking a child from Indonesia for sex work.
AFP released the human trafficking data to coincide with the United Nations’ World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
AFP said the federal government’s Support for Trafficked People Program was updated in July, so community providers can make referrals to the program even if the victim is not ready to contact police.
Next year, the Commonwealth government will roll out a new program for anyone who is at risk who has experienced forced marriage.
The AFP encouraged people to be aware of signs of human trafficking, such as someone:
- 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- appearing frightened, withdrawn, or showing signs of physical or psychological abuse;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; or
- showing signs their movements are being controlled.