Alternative referral pathways for migrant sex workers

Access to the Support for Trafficked Peoples Program no longer requires a referral from the Australian Federal Police. Five collaborating organisations, including Scarlet Alliance, are trialing an Alternative Referral Pathway. 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. For more information about exploitation and modern slavery, you can find information at the Red Cross Work Right Hub.

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.