Modern slavery. Human trafficking. Forced marriage. They are horrific crimes many people would imagine only happen overseas. But they could be unfolding in your city, your town, your street or your neighborhood. It is a grim reality hiding in plain sight in modern Australia. And one the AFP is pulling back the curtains on.
To mark United Nations' World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (WDATIP), the AFP has detailed there were 382 reports of modern slavery and human trafficking offences in the 2023-24 financial year. This represents a jump of more than 12 per cent on the previous financial year's figure of 340, making it the highest on record.
Of these reports - which cover human trafficking, debt bondage, forced marriage, servitude and slavery - forced marriage accounts for the largest proportion of reports, at 91 reports - or roughly one every four days. What makes the figures even more concerning is research from the Australian Institute of Criminology estimating that for every one victim of human trafficking or slavery detected, four remain undetected.*
AFP Commander Helen Schneider said part of the issue with detection and identification was potential victims might either be unaware they were a victim under Australian law - or feel too vulnerable or scared to speak up.
"This can especially be the case when perpetrators are members of their family or community, or where they may fear shame or embarrassment from their communities," Commander Schneider said.
"These factors often prevent victims from reporting human exploitation crimes to law enforcement.
"It's also common to see a crossover of human exploitation offences.
"For example, someone who is a victim of forced marriage may also be a victim of slavery or servitude. Or someone who is a victim of forced labour may also be a victim of deceptive recruiting or debt bondage.
"The situation may not always be clear cut. And it's also not something the people around them may recognise, simply because it's not on the radar for the wider Australian community.
"But the fact is, human exploitation offences such as human trafficking, slavery, servitude and forced marriage do happen right here in Australia - in our communities, neighborhoods, workplaces and schools. They could be happening in your street.
"These occur across varied industries and sectors, including in private and domestic settings. But while the circumstances may change, the horrendous impacts of these crimes are wholesale - exploiting the vulnerability of victims and subjecting them to mental and physical abuse."
Commander Schneider said Australia was primarily a destination country in terms of human trafficking, with AFP investigations uncovering victims trafficked from around the globe.
"Human trafficking and exploitation know no borders, denying victims their dignity and basic human rights," Commander Schneider said.
"Australia is, and must remain, part of a global response to combat people trafficking and modern slavery.
"The AFP partners with law enforcement, government and non-government agencies globally to prevent, disrupt, and investigate human trafficking and slavery, while providing vital protection and support to victims."
In 2023, the AFP initiated its Human Exploitation Community Officer (HECO) program, which finished its rollout across Australia in 2024. This is designed to support and empower those at high risk of harm, exploitation or those becoming victims of human exploitation, to report these crimes and seek support.
Working alongside the AFP's Human Trafficking teams, the HECOs have significantly boosted the agency's work in raising awareness and protecting vulnerable members of the community.
AFP Leading Senior Constable (LSC) Afra Prodan, the first HECO for South Australia and the Northern Territory, said the role was extremely fulfilling.
"I have always been interested in assisting victims but was not really exposed to human exploitation crimes. This role really goes to the core of policing - working with the community to make a direct impact, and potentially saving someone's life," LSC Prodan said.
"The HECOs take a well-rounded and victim-centric approach, raising awareness, supporting and removing victims from harm, and putting strategies in place to stop these crimes before they happen."
Echoing the sentiments of AFP HECOs across the country, LSC Prodan said working directly with communities, also brought to light the painful, heartbreaking reality some people were living through.
"I was shocked to learn how many people in the Australian community are affected by human exploitation every day - and how many are unsure of where to report these crimes and find support," LSC Prodan said.
"This is where the HECO team makes a difference - raising awareness and educating, something I feel truly blessed to be a part of."
LSC Prodan recalled one of the first conversations she had with a victim of human exploitation in South Australia.
"It was probably one of the most gut-wrenching and challenging moments I have encountered in my role as a HECO. The young person was explaining her situation to me, not even realising she was a victim and being horrifically exploited," LSC Prodan said.
"She was just looking for help."
While the AFP is the lead agency for investigating human trafficking and slavery, LSC Prodan said: "it is everyone's responsibility to stop it from happening".
The HECOs deliver tailored information and interventions to prevent human trafficking crimes such as forced marriage.
To date in 2025, they have undertaken more than 370 engagements with government, non-government organisations and vulnerable communities across Australia that are at higher risk of harm, exploitation or victimisation due to background, circumstances or location.
The Red Cross Support for Trafficked People Program (STPP) and the Life Without Barriers Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program (FMSSP) also offer services to victims of human exploitation.
This first-of-its-kind, FMSSP empowers victims of human exploitation to reconnect with family and community and supports them to safely reestablish trust with family, community and religious groups.
In addition to law enforcement avenues, the Additional Referral Pathway (ARP) gives victims of human trafficking and modern slavery an alternative way to access the STPP and FMSSP.
The ARP includes Anti-Slavery Australia, Scarlett Alliance (Australian Sex Workers Association), Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights and Project Respect.
Commander Helen Schneider said the new pathway was a gamechanger for victims of human exploitation.
"This pathway provides victims the opportunity to go directly to non-government support groups and no longer need to go through law enforcement," Commander Schneider said.
"Victims are also able to receive free and confidential support or legal advice about their experience and can also be offered immediate safety and wellbeing needs."
*Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
If you suspect you, or another person, is experiencing, or is at risk of, modern slavery or human trafficking, call 131 AFP (237) or use the AFP's confidential online form. If you have immediate concerns for your safety, or that of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).
The Support for Trafficked People Program is a key component of Australia's response to support victims of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, and is delivered nationally by the Australian Red Cross.
