World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, observed today, brings global attention to human trafficking, urging vigilance and action to prevent this crime. Source: ACRATH.
This year, Australin Catholic Religious Against Trafficking in Humans (ACRATH) is driving prevention by promoting free access to healthcare screening tools and professional development modules.
The “Building Clinician Confidence” series offers free, online, on-demand modules co-designed with survivors of modern slavery, St Vincent’s Health Australia, the NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner and the University of Notre Dame, with support from the federal Attorney-General’s Department.
Modern slavery in Australia remains hidden in plain sight and often overlaps with family violence, homelessness, substance dependence, mental illness, or disability. Healthcare professionals are uniquely positioned to identify, respond, and refer them to specialist support.
The free modules feature filmed simulations of real case studies, guiding clinicians in trauma-informed care responses. They are suitable for nurses, doctors, social workers, psychologists, pastoral carers, speech pathologists, pharmacists, dietitians, peer support workers, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and managers.
Emergency department staff are a vital safety net; research shows most trafficking victims engage with healthcare during exploitation. Recognising warning signs is essential for connecting victims to critical support.
“ACRATH’s contribution directly translates to improving the recognition of modern slavery survivors, which is the biggest challenge facing the anti-slavery sector,” Tarang Jain, modern slavery liaison officer, St Vincent’s Health Australia, said.
In 2026, clinicians were instrumental in the conviction of a Melbourne man found guilty of possessing a woman as a slave.
ACRATH executive officer Sarah Puls said the “modules for health care workers, along with the Educating for Change modules targeted at university students across various disciplines, offer a great opportunity to build awareness of modern slavery among professionals”.
“There is so much more work to be done, but every new participant means more support for victim/survivors.”
Access the free modules here: https://acrath.org.au/resources/healthcare-education/
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ACRATH collaborate to educate, detect and prevent on World Day Against Trafficking In Persons (ACRATH)
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