Exit trafficking reports in Australia have jumped more than 100 per cent in a single year, as reports of human trafficking and modern slavery reach an all-time high.
In new figures covering the 2024-25 financial year, the AFP detailed 420 reports of human trafficking, an increase of 10 per cent from 382 the previous year, equating to an average of one report per day.
This encompassed:
- 118 reports of forced marriage (up from 91 reports from the previous financial year);
- 84 reports of sexual servitude (up from 59 reports);
- 75 reports of exit trafficking (up from 35 reports);
- 42 reports of forced labour (down from 69 reports);
- 36 reports of child trafficking (up from 35 reports);
- 22 reports of domestic servitude (up from 21 reports);
- 15 reports of trafficking in persons (down from 39 reports);
- 12 reports of slavery (up from less than five reports);
- Nine reports of debt bondage (down from 10 reports);
- Five reports of deceptive recruiting (down from 16 reports); and
- Two reports of domestic trafficking in persons (up from zero reports).
There were no reports of organ trafficking or harbouring, which had sat at less than five reports in the previous year.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider said the increase in reports was just the tip of the iceberg and Australians were more attuned to the indicators of human trafficking.
"What we see from these figures is a trending increase in forced marriage and exit trafficking reports. The increase in forced marriage reports may indicate our engagement and presentations to at-risk community groups are working, and people feel more comfortable reporting this activity," Commander Schneider said.
"More than 90 per cent of exit trafficking victims are female, which tells us that women are more vulnerable to this type of exploitation, which occurs when coercion, threats or deception are used to exit, or attempt to exit, an individual from Australia.
"The AFP takes a victim-centric approach to human trafficking investigations, and every report is dealt with carefully and with the victim's interests and needs front of mind.
"If prosecution is not suitable, our investigators look for opportunities to prevent and disrupt human trafficking offences, as well as educating the community."
In 2023, the AFP initiated its Human Exploitation Community Officer (HECO) program which delivers targeted outreach and education to help communities understand their rights, and aims to increase reports to police and disrupt criminal activity before it occurs.
During the 2024-2025 financial year, the AFP's HECOs delivered more than 220 presentations and undertook more than 700 engagements with the community, government, and non-government organisations focusing on human and online child sexual exploitation, including indicators of human trafficking, and where to seek help.
The AFP also provides an information and awareness program to frontline workers and other government agencies who may encounter victims or observe indicators of human trafficking during their duties.
Commander Schneider said human trafficking did not discriminate, and victims could come from any age, gender, culture, religion or socioeconomic group.
"Some people may be at a higher risk of becoming a victim due to vulnerabilities such as poor socioeconomic background, language barriers, unregulated visa status, and a lack of awareness or understanding of Australian legislation," Commander Schneider said.
"The indicators of human trafficking vary for each crime type, but general themes include individuals being subjected to violence or threats of violence, not having access to, or control of earnings or identity documents, being unable to communicate freely with others, and showing signs of fear or anxiety.
"This is a societal problem and any piece of information, however big or small, may help protect a person who is at risk of being exploited."
If you suspect you, or some else, is experiencing, or 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 (STPP) is a key component of Australia's response to supporting victims of human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices, and is delivered nationally by the Australian Red Cross.
