Need urgent help? If you or someone you know is not safe, or it is an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000) and ask to speak to the police. You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
Australian Federal Police
The Australian Federal Police can help keep you safe. They can provide advice and help you find support services that can provide somewhere to stay, financial support, counselling and legal and immigration advice. This can include referring you – if you are eligible – to the government-funded support program delivered by the Australian Red Cross.
If you think you might be experiencing modern slavery, or could be at risk, contact the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 131 237 (131 AFP). You can also visit the Australian Federal Police website for help.
Read more about how the Australian Federal Police prevents and investigates modern slavery.
Community service providers
Community service providers (organisations that are not part of the police or government) can help if you are in or at risk of modern slavery – including if you are being forced to work or marry.
See Support services for organisations that can help you:
- access free and confidential support,
- understand your rights and options,
- access free legal advice about your experience of modern slavery, and related issues, e.g. your visa,
- with your immediate safety and wellbeing needs.
The following organisations can refer you – if you are eligible – to the government-funded support program delivered by the Australian Red Cross:
- The Salvation Army: Call 1800 000 277 from 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday or visit their website.
- Anti-Slavery Australia: Call 02 9514 8115 from 9am–5pm AET, Monday to Friday or email ASALegal@uts.edu.au.
- Australian Muslim Women's Centre for Human Rights: Call 03 9481 3000 or email reception@amwchr.org.au.
- Project Respect: Call, text or WhatsApp 0494 027 641, call 03 9416 3401, or email info@projectrespect.org.au from 9am–5pm, Monday to Friday.
- Scarlet Alliance, Australian Sex Workers Association: Call 02 9517 2855 Tuesdays and Thursdays, or email arp@scarletalliance.org.au.
Read more about available support and protection in response to modern slavery.
Help overseas
The Australian Government provides 24-hour consular emergency assistance to Australian citizens overseas (see Consular Services Charter for more information about who we can assist).
Phone +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas, or 1300 555 135 from within Australia.
Other support
You can also contact these organisations for help and advice in non-emergency situations.
If you are affected by domestic or family violence
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is Australia’s national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling and support service.
Phone: 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT)
SMS (Text): +61 458 737 732
Website: 1800respect.org.au
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you need mental health support
Lifeline
Lifeline provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services.
Phone: 13 11 14
SMS (Text): 0477 13 11 14
Website: Lifeline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides information and support for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention.
Phone: 1300 22 4636
Website: Beyond Blue
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
MensLine Australia
MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.
Phone: 1300 78 99 78
Website: MensLine Australia
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.
Phone: 1800 55 1800
Website: Kids Helpline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
13YARN
13YARN is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support.
Phone: 13 92 76
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Ask Izzy
Ask Izzy is a mobile website that connects people with the services they need right now and nearby.
Website: Ask Izzy
If you need an interpreter
Call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450. Tell the operator the language you need. Then tell the interpreter the name and phone number of the organisation you want to speak to. The operator will then connect you, the interpreter and the organisation on a call. All calls are free and confidential.