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Modern slavery is when an individual is exploited by others, for personal or commercial gain. Whether tricked, coerced, or forced, they lose their freedom. This includes but is not limited to human trafficking, forced labour and debt bondage.
An estimated 50 million people are trapped in slavery or slave like conditions including 27.8 million in forced labour and 15.4 million in forced marriage.
– 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children.
– Out of the 27.8 million people trapped in forced labour, 16 million people are exploited in the private sector such as domestic work, construction or agriculture; 4.8 million persons are in forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million persons are in forced labour imposed by state authorities.
– Women and girls are disproportionately affected by forced labour, accounting for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry, and 58% in other sectors.
For a more in depth look into modern slavery on a global scale check out:
– 2022 UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons
– Annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report by the US Department of State
Global estimates published by WHO indicate that about 1 in 3 (35%) of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime. Almost one third (30%) of all women who have been in a relationship have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner. The prevalence estimates of intimate partner violence range from 23.2% in high-income countries and 24.6% in the WHO Western Pacific region to 37% in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean region, and 37.7% in the WHO South-East Asia region.
Learn how to identify victims of human trafficking through the IOMs Trafficking Victim Identification report.
Introduction to Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights affecting millions worldwide, including men, women, and children. It involves the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for various forms of labour, including sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and labour trafficking. In New Zealand, human trafficking remains a hidden issue, often unnoticed but deeply impactful.
At Hagar New Zealand, we believe that survivors deserve more than just rescue—they deserve the opportunity to heal. That’s why we offer trauma-informed recovery support that takes into account the deep emotional and psychological scars left by trafficking, helping survivors regain their sense of control, safety, and dignity.
Signs of Human Trafficking
Trafficking victims may not always appear outwardly distressed, yet they often exhibit subtle signs of fear, manipulation, or abuse. Common indicators of trafficking include:
If you notice any of these signs, it’s critical to act quickly. Trafficking survivors need support, and understanding the signs can help lead them to safety.
How Traffickers Operate
Traffickers prey on the vulnerabilities of individuals by promising a better life, work opportunities, or education. But the reality is far more sinister—victims are often coerced into exploitative conditions, with their freedom taken away. Technology and social media have become tools of traffickers, allowing them to deceive and trap victims from anywhere in the world.
At Hagar New Zealand, we recognize that survivors don’t just need to escape their traffickers—they need a comprehensive approach to healing. Our trauma-informed recovery services are designed to help survivors rebuild their lives with compassion, understanding, and specialized care.
Impact on Survivors
The emotional, psychological, and physical toll of trafficking is devastating. Survivors often experience PTSD, depression, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. The road to recovery is long and complex, but it is possible with the right support.
Modern-day slavery remains a significant global issue, even though it is often invisible. This form of slavery occurs when people are coerced, manipulated, or forced into labour or services against their will. It takes many forms, such as forced labour, child labour, debt bondage, and sexual exploitation. Victims of modern-day slavery are often hidden in plain sight, especially in industries such as agriculture, domestic work, and construction.
At Hagar New Zealand, we understand that the trauma experienced by survivors of modern-day slavery is often deep and enduring. Through our trauma-informed recovery services, we support survivors in overcoming the emotional scars of their exploitation and empower them to regain their dignity and independence.
The Forms of Modern-Day Slavery
Modern-day slavery can take many forms, but some of the most prevalent include:
At Hagar, we approach the healing process for survivors of modern-day slavery with the same care and attention, ensuring their recovery is trauma-informed and survivor-centered.
Slavery in New Zealand
Modern-day slavery also exists in New Zealand, despite being often overlooked. Migrant workers are especially vulnerable to exploitation, frequently subjected to poor working conditions, long hours, and little to no pay. This issue affects both New Zealand citizens and immigrants, with victims often finding themselves trapped in abusive and dangerous situations.
Through Hagar’s trauma-informed support system, survivors of modern-day slavery are given the tools to heal, regain trust, and rebuild their lives.
The Role of Hagar New Zealand
At Hagar New Zealand, we provide comprehensive support for survivors of modern-day slavery, focusing on recovery and empowerment. Our trauma-informed recovery services include:
Our trauma-informed care ensures that each survivor’s journey to healing is treated with the dignity, respect, and compassion they deserve.
How You Can Help
You can support the survivors of modern-day slavery by getting involved in various ways:
By standing together, we can help survivors regain their freedom and create a world where modern-day slavery no longer exists.
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