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Resources for migrant sex workers
Access to support for sex workers who have experienced exploitation
Scarlet Alliance has a project that can support sex workers who have experienced workplace exploitation to access short-term crisis support (such as emergency accommodation), legal and migration advice from lawyers, and referral to short term Centrelink for people impacted by trafficking (also known as the Support for Trafficked Peoples Program).
Scarlet Alliance is able to refer people directly into this support program without the need for any police involvement. This is called the ‘Alternative Referral Pathway’ and is an 18 month trial until November 2025.
The goal is to deliver safe, confidential, person-centred, culturally sensitive, trauma-informed entry points to the Support for Trafficked Peoples Program. This includes de-identified ethical data collection to create new knowledge on human trafficking and modern slavery in Australia.
If you think you have experienced exploitation, trafficking or modern slavery in Australia, including in regional and remote areas, you can contact Scarlet Alliance or our state/territory member organisations to talk to a peer worker about accessing the Alternative Referral Pathway.
Eligibility screening for the program is conducted by lawyers trained in sex worker sensitivity and acting in compliance with Australian legislation, relevant standards and good practice, and the Guidelines for NGO Working with trafficked people (third edition). An appeals process, with opportunity for feedback and input, is available.
Migrant workers in Australia experiencing exploitation may also be eligible for the Workplace Justice Visa (also known as a 408 visa).
The Scarlet Alliance office will be closed until Tuesday 7 January, and emails will not be monitored during this period. If you would like to access the referral pathway during this time, the Salvation Army and Anti-Salvery Australia will continue to be available.