Our Focus

Ending Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is an umbrella term for severe exploitation where a person cannot refuse or leave due to threats, violence, coercion, abuse of power or deception. It includes trafficking in persons, slavery and slavery-like practices (servitude, forced labour, debt bondage, deceptive recruiting) and forced marriage.
Find out how Mercy Foundation Grants are ending modern slavery.

Types of modern slavery

Modern slavery includes:

  • Trafficking in persons – recruiting/transporting people for exploitation.
  • Slavery & servitude – control or ownership over a person.
  • Forced labour – work under coercion (e.g., threats, ID confiscation, withheld wages).
  • Debt bondage – trapped in work to repay an unrealistic debt.
  • Deceptive recruiting – false promises or contracts.
  • Forced marriage – marriage without free and full consent.
  • Domestic servitude & visa exploitation – often hidden in private homes.

How many people are living in modern slavery in Australia?

It is estimated that there may be as many as 41,000 people living in modern slavery in Australia. That’s roughly 1.6 per 1,000 people. (Walk Free Foundation, methodology updated 2023)

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) received 420 reports of modern slavery in the 2024 – 2025 financial year.

What are the root causes?

  • Vulnerability and power imbalances (e.g. temporary visa status, language barriers, social isolation).
  • Economic pressure and precarious work (cost pressures, subcontracting, weak oversight in some supply chains).
  • Deception and coercive control (fake job offers, document confiscation, threats).
  • System gaps (low awareness, limited safe reporting pathways).

The signs of modern slavery:

  • Isolation; restricted movement; living/working at the same place.
  • Passports/ID retained; threats or intimidation; physical/psychological abuse.
  • Excessive overtime; unsafe or degrading conditions; wages withheld.
  • Recruitment “fees” and unpayable debts; deception about job or pay.

If several indicators are present, seek advice and do not put the person at further risk.

What to do if you think someone is caught in modern slavery

  1. Check immediate safety. If anyone is in danger, call 000.
  2. Don’t confront the suspected exploiter. It may endanger the person.
  3. Report and get advice:
    • Australian Federal Police (confidential) – Phone: 131 AFP (131 237)
    • NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner (advice, referrals) – Phone: 1800 FREEDOM (1800 3733 366)
    • Anti-Slavery Australia – free confidential legal & migration advice:
      (02) 9514 8115 ASALegal@uts.edu.au
  4. Support informed choice & privacy. Obtain consent before reporting on someone’s behalf when safe.
  5. Use an interpreter if needed: Phone: 131 450.

Find out how Mercy Foundation Grants are ending modern slavery.