Modern Slavery brings ACRATH members and supporters together

22 Sep 2022

By Contributor

More than 100 members and supporters of the WA ACRATH community have last month come together, raising some $6000 towards supporting those affected by modern slavery. Photo: Supplied.

Members of ACRATH WA have this month held a High Tea to raise funds for victim-survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery.

With more than 100 guests, the event was held at Iona Presentation College in Mosman Park.

Students from the College volunteered their time as wait staff, while also providing background music. All food was prepared by members and their supporters.

The event was opened with Dominican Sr Margaret Scharf OP singing her song ‘Can You See Me’, which is dedicated to victims of human trafficking.

Members also spoke about how they came to join ACRATH WA and the work with which they are involved.

WA ACRATH Co-Ordinator, Heather McNaught, said the occasion a wonderful event.

“While it was a fundraiser it was also the chance to educate about the different forms of human trafficking and the fact that it is happening in WA,” Ms McNaught said.

Members of ACRATH WA have this month held a High Tea to raise funds for victim-survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. Photo: Supplied.

“It was also an opportunity for people to see what ACRATH is doing in WA to assist victim-survivors, how they are raising awareness and taking practical steps towards addressing the issues,” she said.

With more than $6,000 raised, the funds will be used to towards providing financial assistance for the people supported by ACRATH.

According to the latest Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, 50 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021.

Of these people, 28 million were in forced labour and 22 million were trapped in forced marriage.

ACRATH members and supporters spoke about how they came to join ACRATH WA and the work with which they are involved. Photo: Supplied.

The number of people in modern slavery has risen significantly in the last five years with 10 million more in modern slavery in 2021 compared to 2016 global estimates. 

In the 2021-22 financial year, the Australian Federal Police received some 294 reports of modern slavery and human trafficking, an increase of more than 30 per cent from the previous financial year with the highest crimes being reported in forced marriages and sexual servitude and exploitation.

If you would like to know more about ACRATH WA or would like a presentation at your school, parish or local community group please email wacoordinator@acrath.org.au or find out more at www.acrath.org.au.