Modern slavery refers to situations of exploitation where a person cannot refuse or leave, because of threats, violence, coercion, abuse of power or deception. Over 40,000,000 people worldwide experience modern slavery, including approximately 41,000 people in Australia.
Modern Slavery is a profound violation of human dignity and stands in direct contrast to the values that guide our work as Vincentians. The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is committed to identifying any risk of Modern Slavery in our operations or supply chains and work to eliminate it.
Defining Modern Slavery
The term Modern slavery is a non-legal umbrella term that includes:
Deceptive recruiting for labour or service
Deceptive recruiting is when a person uses tricks or lies to recruit someone for a job involving exploitation.
For more information on Deceptive recruiting for labour or service
Trafficking in persons
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.
For more information on Human Trafficking
Forced marriage
Forced marriage is when someone is made to get married without their free and full consent.
For more information on Forced Marriage
Slavery
Slavery is when a person treats someone like property that can be used, bought, sold or traded.
For more information on Slavery
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.
Child labour
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 exploited for profit or exploited in illegal activities.
For more information on Child Labour
Servitude
Using 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.
For more information on Servitude
Debt Bondage
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.
For more information on Debt Bondage
Reporting Modern Slavery
If you meet someone you believe to be experiencing Modern Slavery, or if they disclose they are experiencing Modern Slavery, please call the Vinnies Safeguarding team on:
1800 4SUPPORT (1800 478 776)
Mon - Fri, 9am - 4pm
Or see the Safeguarding page for more options
Modern Slavery Statements
The St Vincent de Paul Society NSW are required under the Modern Slavery Act to publish Modern Slavery Statements, please find our Statements from 2020-2025: Modern Anti Slavery Statements
Launch of the Modern Slavery Statement 2025
Resources
-
Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN) - St Vincent de Paul Society NSW is a member of ACAN
Learning
A short course on Modern Slavery from the Australian Catholic Anti-Slavery Network (ACAN) is available on MAVS - Learning. To access the course, log in and select the 'Modern Slavery' module on your Learning page.
Other Publications
See our Submission on to the Modern Slavery Committee Inquiry: Vinnies NSW Policy and Research
Key Policy Documents for Members and Volunteers
The Vincentian Visitation & Assistance Guidelines
Get involved in Social Justice advocacy.More Safeguarding Children & Vulnerable Adults Resource
