Support for people impacted by modern slavery
If you or someone you know has experienced modern slavery, including human trafficking, slavery or slavery-like practices, help is available through the Support for Trafficked People Program.
Need urgent help?
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, phone 000. You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Our impact in 2025
391
People supported on STPP
129
People referred to STPP (86 from ARP; 43 from AFP)
How we can help
The Support for Trafficked People Program (STPP) provides person-centred support that is responsive and flexible to individual needs. The duration on program is up to 110 days* (90 days intensive support + a 20-day transition out period). Support may include:
- Helping people find a safe place to stay
- Providing financial assistance for essentials
- Connecting people with health, housing, and community services
- Referring people to legal and migration support
- Offering emotional and well-being support
You can contact us if you need confidential advice for yourself or if you are worried about a friend, family member, colleague or someone you know who might be experiencing modern slavery, and you want to receive confidential advice and discuss how to get help.
*If a person is participating in a criminal investigation, their duration on the program can vary to ensure they receive support throughout the criminal justice process.
Who can access the STPP
Anyone in Australia who has experienced any type of modern slavery (including forced marriage if other types of modern slavery related exploitation are and who has been identified as eligible by the Australian Federal Police or the Additional Referral Pathway can access the STPP.
There are two different ways to access the STPP:
- Through a referral from the Australian Federal Police (AFP);
You can contact the AFP on 131 AFP (131 237) and report your situation of exploitation.
- Through the Additional Referral Pathway, led by The Salvation Army:
You can contact The Salvation Army on 1800 000 277 or visit salvationarmy.org.au/additional-referral-pathway
Understanding modern slavery
Modern slavery describes situations where offenders use coercion, threats or deception to exploit people and undermine their freedom. In Australia, modern slavery is a term used to describe different forms of serious exploitation, including trafficking in persons or human trafficking, slavery, servitude, forced labour, debt bondage, deceptive recruitment for labour or services, forced marriage and the worst forms of child labour.
Substandard working conditions or underpayment of workers are not forms of modern slavery, however, these practices are also harmful and may be present in some situations of modern slavery.
Modern slavery can be difficult to identify as it has many different forms. Common signs or indicators that someone may be experiencing modern slavery include:
- Excessive working hours with limited pay and under harsh conditions
- Living at the workplace or in substandard accommodation with limited freedom of movement
- Being unable to leave due to threats, fear or coercion
- Signs of physical or psychological abuse or malnourishment
- Being isolated and having their communication and movement controlled
- Underpayment or no wages
- Being forced to work or provide services to pay off a debt
- Not having access to personal documents, such as a passport
- Being deceived and tricked into work or service where the job or the situation is not what the person agreed to
Learn more
Forced marriage
The Support for Trafficked People Program no longer supports people at risk of, or who have experienced forced marriage, unless other forms of modern slavery harm are present. Australia now has a specialised support program to help people who are at risk of, or who have experienced forced marriage. This program helps people with their safety, health and wellbeing needs. The program is called the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program and is delivered by Life Without Barriers. You can learn more about this program by visiting https://www.lwb.org.au/services/forced-marriage-support/
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