Modern slavery - hidden in plain sight

24 March 2021

Salvos Safe House supports victims of modern slavery and human trafficking

Words Simone Worthing

On 25 March, Australia will join the observance of the United Nations International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Tragically, modern slavery exists today on a massive and global scale.

Through the country’s only Trafficking and Slavery Safe House, The Salvation Army run a unique support service for people who have experienced human trafficking, slavery, or slave-like offences. This includes those who have experienced, or are at risk of, forced marriage.

“Since living at the Safe House, I have learnt a lot about myself, being brave and to stand up and speak for myself. My greatest achievement is to become more independent and more sociable. I have become confident; before, I was scared of doing things.”

These are the heartfelt words of a former client and three-year resident of The Salvation Army Trafficking and Slavery Safe House, Sydney. She is now living independently, working, studying and building a new life for herself.

“It’s of paramount importance to us that our clients experience, not only healing, but are able to grow in confidence, learn new skills and build an independent life,” said Claudia Cummins, Acting Program Manager at the Safe House. “This includes learning how to access support and services, as well as making new friends.

“We know survivors may have had limited choices, often for significant amounts of time, and so we work from a strengths-based and trauma-informed support framework to help them build self-confidence, explore options and make decisions for their future.”

SUPPORTED ACCOMMODATION

Human trafficking and modern slavery are something many Australians think of as happening overseas. Tragically, this is not the case.

The Global Slavery Index 2018 estimated that on any given day (based on research from 2016), around 15,000 people were living in slavery-like conditions in Australia. It is also estimated that, for every victim identified, there are four that go undetected.

The Safe House provides supported accommodation and comprehensive case management for up to 10 single women over the age of 18. Outreach case management support can also be provided to around 15 women, men, families and young people living in the community.

This year, as pandemic restrictions are scaled back, the Safe House team aims to be out and about in the community more, providing information to Salvation Army centres and churches, and other service providers, on how to identify modern slavery (see back cover) and how to respond.

PANDEMIC IMPACT

Claudia explained that, although referrals to the Safe House decreased during the last year, some of that is because people have not had the same access to schools, community centres, churches and other avenues of potential support during the pandemic.

“Modern slavery is always hidden in plain sight,” she said. “In Australia now, even more people are vulnerable to exploitative labour situations due to financial hardship and international trends.

"Although borders are closed, we have still been getting referrals in the areas of forced labour, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude."

Forced marriage also remains a growing issue in Australia. Historically, many referrals to the Safe House for those potentially at risk of forced marriage are made through teachers and school counsellors. The team also supports asylum seekers fleeing a forced marriage or women who have experienced one.

Other referrals to the Safe House come from other service providers and people who recognise the signs of modern slavery. They include state and federal police, refugee and asylum seeker services, hospitals, Salvation Army and other churches, community centres, everyday citizens, and mental health and domestic violence services.

PILOT HOUSING PROGRAM

To deliver long-term housing options for survivors, based on a new model aimed at supporting people into independent living, the Safe House is piloting an innovative transitional housing program in partnership with Salvos Housing, and with generous funding from the Sisters of Charity Foundation.

So far, three people have moved to their own homes – one 12 months ago, one six months ago, and another two months ago. “The clients have set their homes up the way they like them and are transitioning to

To make a referral, discuss matters of concern, or to donate to the Trafficking and Slavery Safe House, call 1300 473 560.