Modern slavery manifestations, risks, challenges and responses are continually evolving, with more organisations and sectors directly engaging with people who have experienced modern slavery. People experiencing modern slavery face various challenges and interact with a diverse range of individuals, organisations and sectors to address their needs.
The Practice Guidelines for Organisations: Working with People in or at Risk of Modern Slavery (the guidelines) is the fourth edition of guidance intended to promote a collaborative multisectoral response by supporting individuals or organisations working in the anti-slavery space who may need to identify, support, work with or engage with people who have experienced or are at risk of modern slavery.
The fourth edition of the guidelines aims to:
- set out good practice principles and practical guidance for working with people who have experienced modern slavery
- help individuals and organisations to update or develop processes relevant to their organisation, guided by good practice
- assist individuals and organisations to identify relevant support services and resources.
The guidelines are divided into 5 sections. Sections 1, 2, 3, 4.1 and 5 provide information about modern slavery, partnership and collaboration, and trauma-informed approaches.
Section 4.2 contains practice guidelines to work safely and ethically with people who have experienced or are at risk of modern slavery. This section is divided into 6 practice areas, each providing guidance corresponding to a specific stage or area of engagement – from identification through to the criminal justice process. The 6 practice areas are as follows:
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6 practice areas are as follows 1. Identification, 2. Referral Pathways, 3. Supporting, 4. Engaging, 5. Criminal Justice Process and 6. Additional Protections for people at a heightened risk.
Some practice areas may be more relevant to certain stakeholders than others. The table on pages 4-5 may help you navigate to the most relevant guidance.
The guidelines have been updated and expanded as an action item under the National Action Plan to Combat Modern Slavery 2020–25 (the National Action Plan) by a working group of the National Roundtable on Human Trafficking and Slavery. The updates were informed by two tranches of consultations with people with lived experience of modern slavery and organisations including, government, non-government, business, academia and civil society.
Help and support services
Help is available for any person experiencing or at risk of modern slavery.
The Australian Federal Police can help keep you safe, give advice and refer you to other services that provide accommodation, financial support, counselling, and legal and immigration advice.
If you have immediate concerns for your safety, the safety of another person, or there is an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000). If you suspect that you or another person is experiencing or is at risk of human trafficking or modern slavery, call 131 AFP (131 237) or use the AFP’s confidential online form.
Contact
If you need further information, contact humantraffickingandslavery@ag.gov.au.