Warning signs

You can get help for yourself, support someone else or report suspected modern slavery, even if you are not sure.  

The warning signs of modern slavery can look different in different situations. They can depend on the type of modern slavery, the location and the person.

In some situations, one warning sign is enough to show someone is in modern slavery. In others, several warning signs together might point to modern slavery.  

General warning signs

Control and manipulation

Someone in modern slavery may:

• face violence or threats against themselves or their loved ones
• be disciplined through punishment (either physically or through ‘fines’)
• be under someone’s control (physically or psychologically)
• have their movements controlled
• be under near-constant or constant surveillance by another person
• be in a situation of dependence
• let other people speak for them when spoken to directly
• be forced to work and unable to negotiate their working conditions.

Financial exploitation

They may:

• not have access to or control over their wages
• receive little or no pay
• believe they must keep working for someone to pay back a particular debt
• have financial pressures within the family
• show signs of economic abuse, dowry abuse or someone else getting a financial benefit from the arrangement.

Living and working conditions

They may:

• live in substandard accommodation arranged by an employer or agent
• not have a key to their own house
• have limited or poor-quality food
• have large costs charged for accommodation or living expenses
• be transported between accommodation and work by organisers
• not know their home or work address
• believe they must work even if they don’t want to
• work extremely long hours with no time off
• believe they can’t leave their workplace or accommodation.

Emotional and physical signs

They may:

• show fear, anxiety, distress or nervousness
• answer as though they have been coached when you ask questions
• distrust authorities
• have low social awareness
• have low self-esteem and untidy appearance
• have untreated physical injuries or illnesses
• have no access to medical care.

Isolation

They may:

• not be able to communicate freely
• have limited or no contact with their families or other people
• not speak English or know the local area
• have limited or no social interaction.

Lies and wrong information

They may:

• be lied to about the details of their job. Those lies could include the work they will do, the location and the employer
• be lied to about their migration status
• be told they will be arrested if they complain to police
• believe their visa will be cancelled if they report bad treatment by their employer.

Migration and migration documents

They may:

• have false identity or travel documents
• be afraid of revealing their immigration status
• have had their passport or other identity documents taken away and held by someone else
• have had their travel costs paid for by someone who they must pay back by working for them.

Read more about the types of modern slavery and their warning signs. You can visit the Australia Federal Police website for a full list of indicators (warning signs) and more information.