The AFP has taken action to protect 53 individuals, including women and children, who were at risk of forced marriage, forced labour and being purposely left overseas.
For the first time, the AFP is outlining details of the human trafficking disruptions undertaken between 1 July 2021 and 30 November 2022.
More than 75 per cent of the victims removed from harm were women and more than half were children (under the age of 18) *.
AFP Detective Superintendent Jayne Crossling said reports of human traffic were often received after an incident, however, when alerted earlier, the AFP was often able to act to protect victims.
“The AFP was able to act to help protect these 53 potential victims because they trusted, or the agencies that work closely with investigators, trust the AFP,” Det. Supt Crossling said.
“Our priority is the wellbeing and safety of victims.
“We want these vulnerable members of the community to understand that their situation isn’t hopeless, help is available and the AFP can protect you through a range of measures that don’t necessarily involve arrests and charges.”
Intervention measures can include the removal of victims from harm, working with partner agencies to provide safe and secure accommodation, placing restrictions on domestic and international travel, intervention orders and preventative education in the community about Australian laws and peoples’ rights, to prevent all forms of trafficking from occurring.
The AFP intervened to protect children and adults from forced marriages, removal from Australia against their will – known as exit trafficking – and domestic servitude situations.
The disruption capability remains a crucial aspect of the AFP’s work in human trafficking, with official reports to police reaching 436 within the same time period (1 July, 2021 – 30 November, 2022).
Det Supt Crossling said in one recent case, the AFP quickly intervened after receiving information that a mother and child were being forced to leave Australia against their will.
“We were able to intervene to remove these people from harm and by working with our government and non-government partners, we have offered them ongoing protection and support to safely move on with their lives.”
She said not all matters could proceed to charges or a prosecution due to a number a reasons, including instances where it was not in the best interest of the victim.
“Human trafficking is not always a clear-cut situation – and this can be for a range of unique and complex reasons that these individuals are facing,” she said.
“It could be that a child’s parents have organised a marriage for them and they want to be protected from that situation but may not want the relative prosecuted.
“Our main message to victims is that we are aware of barriers they may be facing and we are here to help and protect you. Support beyond law enforcement is available.”
