Viw Magazine

Men's Weekly

.

  • Written by Jennifer Burn, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney
Many instances of slavery or exploitation start with the promise of a reasonably paying job in Australia. Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND

We might not want to believe it, but human trafficking and slavery happens in Australia. Slavery is not an historical artefact, but a tragic reality for millions of people around the world, including in Australia.

Recently, the term “modern slavery” has been used to contrast contemporary forms of slavery from historical slavery such as that seen during the transatlantic slave trade.

In practice, modern slavery is an umbrella term that is often used to describe human trafficking, slavery and slavery-like practices such as servitude, forced labour and forced marriage.

But slavery is timeless. It has always been about the commodification of the body of a man, woman or child, the theft of liberty and sometimes life.


Read more: Modern Slavery Bill a step in the right direction – now businesses must comply


Anti-Slavery Australia, at the University of Technology Sydney, started researching and assisting trafficked and enslaved people in Australia back in 2002. For over 17 years, Anti-Slavery Australia has provided access to legal advice and assistance to hundreds of people who have experienced modern slavery.

In 2018 alone, Anti-Slavery Australia helped over 123 people who had been trafficked to or from Australia, or had faced slavery-like conditions while in Australia, including forced marriage, servitude and forced labour.

But this is just the tip of the iceberg. A recent report by the Australian Institute of Criminology estimates that only one in five victims are detected. This means that the cases we see are likely to be a small proportion of the scale of trafficking and slavery in Australia.


Read more: At last, Australia has a Modern Slavery Act. Here's what you'll need to know


Vulnerable people of any background or status can be cruelly exploited. Some groups, such as migrant workers or young people, are more vulnerable than others.

So what does modern slavery look like in Australia?

Here are four real world examples, with names of individuals and businesses changed, to explain the different kinds of exploitation seen at Anti-Slavery Australia and considered in Australian courts.


Slavery/domestic servitude

In Australian law, slavery is defined as

the condition of a person over whom any or all of the powers attaching to the right of ownership are exercised, including where such a condition results from a debt or contract made by the person.

Essentially, slavery is when a person is controlled as if they were mere property.

Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND

Eventually, with the help of one of Mr and Mrs K’s family members, Mary was able to leave this situation.

This example is based on a case that ultimately led to Mr and Mrs K being found guilty of slavery offences and sentenced to eight and four years’ imprisonment respectively.


Servitude

Servitude is when a person does not consider themselves to be free to stop working or leave their workplace, because of threats, coercion or deception; and the person is significantly deprived of their personal freedom in their life outside of work.

Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND

Eventually, Tom managed to escape from the house, flagged down a motorist and contacted police. Police responded and found 49 other exploited people who had been coerced and controlled.

This example is based on a case that led to two people being found guilty of causing a person to enter into or remain in servitude and sentenced to three years’ and two-and-a-half years’ imprisonment.


Forced labour

Forced labour is when a person does not consider themselves free to stop working, or to leave their workplace, because of threats, coercion or deception.

Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND

Eventually, John was able to get help, but he was in very poor health and died a few years later.


Forced marriage

A forced marriage is when a person is married without freely and fully consenting because of either coercion, threat or deception. It could also be because they’re incapable of understanding the nature and effect of a marriage ceremony, possibly because of their age or mental capacity.

A forced marriage is different from an arranged marriage or a sham marriage. The main difference is that there is consent in arranged and sham marriages.

Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND Wes Mountain/The Conversation, CC BY-ND

To find out more about the scenarios you have read, additional information and confidential legal advice contact Anti-Slavery Australia. See www.antislavery.org.au. For information and advice on forced marriage see www.mybluesky.org.au. ​

Jennifer Burn is affiliated with the NSW Government through her appointment as the NSW Interim Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

Authors: Jennifer Burn, Professor, Faculty of Law, University of Technology Sydney

Read more http://theconversation.com/human-trafficking-and-slavery-still-happen-in-australia-this-comic-explains-how-112294

Affordable and High-Quality Plantation Shutters for Every Home

Plantation shutters are a classic window treatment known for their wide horizontal slats that can be adjusted to control light, privacy, and...

Comprehensive Guide on Water Quality in Central Coast: Ensuring Safe and Healthy Water Supply

Unlock secrets to safe & healthy water with our comprehensive guide on water quality in the Central Coast! Protect your health now! Wat...

Smart Cleaning Product Choices for Australian Businesses: A Guide for Office Managers

Smart cleaning choices help keep Australian offices healthy. This means selecting safe, effective, and budget-friendly supplies. First, matc...

Designing Reusable CTA Components for Multi-Channel Experiences

Another key piece to digital marketing are calls-to-action. They transform engagement into measurable outcomes clicks, sign-ups, purchases...

Delivering Responsive UX Through Dynamic Content Rendering

User expectations have shifted overnight. Audiences no longer accept static, templated experiences. Instead, they want digital engagement ...

Why Shade Structures in Melbourne Are Essential for Comfort & UV Protection

Introduction Melbourne’s climate is famously unpredictable, but when the sun shines, it often brings with it high levels of ultraviolet...

Choosing the Right Water Tanks Melbourne for Your Home or Business

Rising water bills, unpredictable rainfall, and the need to reduce reliance on the mains supply have encouraged many residents and busines...

Elevating Interiors with Hybrid Timber Flooring

Flooring is one of the most important elements of interior design, setting the foundation for the overall look, comfort, and functionality...

Why Visiting a Dentist Regularly is Essential for Oral Health

Good oral health is more than just having a bright smile—it plays an important role in overall well-being. Regular visits to a dentist ...

How Construction Law Firms in Melbourne Safeguard Complex Projects

Introduction From multi-storey developments to infrastructure upgrades, construction in Melbourne is thriving. Yet each project carries l...

The Ultimate Guide to Home Security Camera Laws in Australia

Security cameras are now one of the most common ways Australians protect their homes, families, and businesses. But before you install a C...

Ways Branded Apparel Boosts Team Morale & Business Image

Introduction Branded uniforms and apparel are often seen as a basic necessity, but they play a much bigger role in building company cultu...

The Rise of WordPress-Powered Mobile Applications

In the age of rapid digitalisation, companies are always on the lookout for new methods to reach their customers and provide end-to-end di...

7 Ways Roller Shutters Perth Can Save You Money & Energy

Thinking about ways to cut down on your bills and make your home more comfortable in Perth? You're not alone! Many homeowners are looking fo...

Sydney Gets Fired Up: Fireball Whisky Launches ‘Motel Fireball Inn’

The number one shot in Australia (and the USA) is turning up the heat!  Fireball Whisky is bringing the party to Sydney with the launch...

Why Headless CMS Is Essential for Global B2B Sales Enablement

B2B selling is more global, digital and complex than ever. B2B buyers want accurate, timely and needs-based information no matter where th...

Top Tips for Successfully Completing Training and Passing Driving Tests

Learning to drive can feel exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time. Whether you’re preparing for your very first driving test ...

Why Location Still Rules in Real Estate

When people talk about real estate, the phrase location, location, location always comes up. It might sound like a cliché, but it’s still...

The Ultimate Guide to Renting: Landlord and Tenant Rights

Renting a property can be a smooth and rewarding experience when both landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities. Cl...

The Pros and Cons of Renting vs. Owning a Home

Deciding between owning and renting a home is a huge financial choice a lot of people have to deal with in their lifetime. While homeownersh...