Types of modern slavery

Learn more about the different types of modern slavery, including human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices.

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Understanding modern slavery

Modern slavery can take many forms, including human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices such as forced labour, forced marriage, servitude, debt bondage and deceptive recruiting.

Modern slavery also includes the worst forms of child labour. 

These are all serious crimes under Australian law. They reflect the different ways a person might force someone to do things for them – like working or marrying when they don’t want to.  

A person doesn’t need to know which type of modern slavery they’re experiencing to get help. 

Find out about the warning signs of modern slavery, how to get help for yourself, support someone else or report suspected modern slavery.

Types of modern slavery

Human trafficking

Human trafficking is when a person uses coercion such as manipulation, control or violence, threats or lies to move someone across or within borders so they can be exploited.

Slavery

Slavery is when a person treats someone like property that can be used, bought, sold or traded.

Forced labour

Forced labour is when a person uses coercion such as manipulation, control or violence, threats or lies to make someone feel they cannot stop working or leave their place of work

Forced marriage

Forced marriage is when a person is made to get married without their free and full consent. This means they did not agree to the marriage by their own choice. No child under 16 can legally agree to a marriage.

Servitude

Servitude is when a person uses coercion such as manipulation, control or violence, threats or lies so that a person feels they cannot stop working or leave their place of work. It also involves denying other personal freedoms.

Debt bondage

Debt bondage is when someone is forced to work to repay an excessive debt that they might never be able to pay off. The debt may be real or not.

Worst forms of child labour

The worst forms of child labour is when children are in slavery or slavery-like practices such as forced labour, or do hazardous work. It is also when children are sexually exploited for profit or exploited in illegal activities.

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.

Get help

Related content

Report suspected modern slavery

If you or someone else might be in or at risk of modern slavery, call Triple Zero (000) if it is an emergency. You can also call the AFP on 131 237 or make a report online.

Get help for yourself

There is help and support for people experiencing or at risk of exploitation such as forced labour, forced marriage and other forms of modern slavery in Australia.

Support someone else

You may come across someone at work or in the community who is in or at risk of modern slavery. Find out how to support them.

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