The Issue

Slavery Still Exists, it Affects US ALL

Hannah’s Story

What Is Freedom?

Freedom means feeling safe, being heard and having the support and opportunities to shape your own future. It is being able to learn, work, build meaningful connections and make choices without fear of violence, coercion or exploitation.

At Be Hers, we believe every woman deserves that freedom - a life where her circumstances do not define her possibilities, where she is valued, and where she has the confidence and independence to pursue her hopes and dreams.

How Can Freedom Be Stolen?

Freedom can be stolen when someone uses power, threats, manipulation or violence to control another person, taking away their ability to make choices about their own life. This control is not always visible. It can involve restricting access to money, withholding identity documents, isolating someone from support, or making them afraid to say no or seek help.

People facing financial hardship, isolation, language barriers or uncertainty about their rights may have fewer pathways to safety and support. Someone may exploit these circumstances, using promises of work, security or belonging to draw them into a situation they cannot freely leave. Everyone deserves to live safely, make their own decisions and access support without fear.

What Is Exploitation?

Exploitation happens when someone takes advantage of another person for their own benefit, at the expense of that person’s rights, safety and wellbeing. It can involve manipulation, deception, threats or abuse of power to control someone’s work, money, body or choices. It may begin with a promise of love, employment, accommodation or support, making it difficult to recognise when trust has become control.

What Does Modern Slavery Look Like?

Modern slavery describes some of the most severe forms of exploitation, where a person’s freedom is taken away. It includes human trafficking, forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage and servitude. It can look like someone being forced to work under threats, trapped in an unfair debt they cannot repay, made to marry without freely consenting, or forced to provide sexual services.

Modern slavery can happen in homes, workplaces and communities, including here in Australia. A person does not need to be physically locked away to be trapped - fear, threats, isolation or control over their money and identity documents can prevent them from leaving or seeking help.

Nelson Mandela