ACRATH have last week launched its annual fundraising campaign this week, aiming to highlight the harsh reality of Modern Slavery in Australia.
The campaign challenges individuals to look beyond the rising statistics and recognise the victims and survivors as real people, who are the focus of ACRATH’s mission.
Current estimates indicate that 41,000 men and women are living in modern slavery in Australia, often in plain sight, with a global total of 50 million people.
“It is easier to look away from this growing crime when you don’t fully understand what it looks like,” said Christine Carolan, ACRATH Executive Officer.
“We urge you to hear their stories, understand the reality, share their experiences, and donate to support our crucial work. These individuals like Rani and Fatima, are more than just statistics.”
Rani’s Story – Freedom Through Knowledge
According to the Government’s Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, forced marriage has been the most reported form of modern slavery to the Australian Federal Police every year since 2015.
Meet Rani, a 17-year-old student from a high school in Melbourne. When her parents informed her that they were taking her overseas to marry a man she had never met, Rani felt she had no choice but to comply and thought her fate was sealed.
An ACRATH member visited her school and delivered a presentation where Rani learned that forced marriage is illegal in Australia and, that she had the right to choose her own husband. Empowered by this timely information, Rani realised she had an option she never knew existed.
Since 2005, ACRATH’s dedicated members have reached thousands of students across Australia, delivering life-changing presentations on the realities and illegalities of forced marriage, among other critical issues related to modern slavery. Armed with knowledge, many young individuals have been able to take action, protect their rights, and shape their own destinies.
Fatima – From Forced Labour to Freedom
Meet Fatima, who found herself trapped in a nightmare. Employed as a housekeeper at a consulate in Sydney, Fatima was subjected to forced labour for months without receiving any wages. Isolated within the consulate’s walls, she endured the harsh reality of modern slavery.
Through social media, Fatima sought help and connected with a police officer who assisted her. After her escape, a community refugee organisation recognised her situation and sought ACRATH to provide further support.
ACRATH offered essential assistance to Fatima and connected her with a law firm that provided pro-bono legal representation. Fatima also joined the ACRATH Companionship Program, where she received ongoing support from a trained and dedicated Companion. Through this program, she found her strength and encouragement to rebuild her life.
Fatima pursued education by enrolling in TAFE courses. Her journey of recovery and empowerment has been long, but she has steadily reclaimed her independence and her future. The issue of forced labour remains a significant concern within the Australian Federal Police (AFP). Each report represents a real person with a story not unlike Fatima’s—people who need help.
Fatima’s story is of hope and a reminder of the impact that coordinated community efforts can have. Your support for ACRATH enables us to continue providing critical assistance to victim/survivors like Fatima, offering them the resources and companionship they need to reclaim their lives.
Please donate to ACRATH today. By supporting ACRATH, you aren’t just donating money; you are contributing to the elimination of modern slavery and human trafficking in Australia. Your funds help provide critical resources and opportunities as outlined in their stories. Your generosity empowers survivors to rebuild their lives.
To read more compelling stories, and ACRATH’s work in assisting the victim/survivors see our website.
*All names have been changed to protect the victims/survivors of these crimes.
** Stats from the Walk Free 2023 Global Slavery Index