The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has recently deployed specialised officers to communities across the country in an effort to combat human trafficking and online child sexual exploitation. These community liaison officers will work with community leaders to educate people on topics such as online grooming and sextortion, as well as engage with schools where students may be at risk of forced marriage. The officers will be stationed at AFP commands nationwide, with the goal of protecting potential victims from exploitation.
AFP Commander Helen Schneider emphasized the importance of engaging with high-risk and vulnerable communities to prevent criminal offending and protect potential victims. The initiative also aims to address concerns that human exploitation may be under-reported, with some victims unaware that crimes are being committed against them. Schneider highlighted the significance of education in raising awareness about human trafficking and slavery offenses, as victims may not recognize the crimes occurring against them or identify themselves as victims.
The deployment of community liaison officers comes at a critical time, as the AFP received over 58,000 reports of online child sexual exploitation and 382 reports of human trafficking in the past financial year. These figures include various forms of exploitation such as forced marriage, servitude, forced labor, exit trafficking, and slavery. However, intelligence from the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation suggests that these numbers may underestimate the true extent of the issue, as only 12 percent of victims of online child sexual exploitation report the abuse to law enforcement.
One harrowing example of the consequences of forced marriage and exploitation is the case of Sakina Muhammad Jan, who forced her daughter Ruqia to marry a man who later murdered her. This tragic incident underscores the devastating impact of human trafficking and forced marriage on victims and their families. The AFP’s efforts to combat these crimes through community engagement and education are crucial in preventing similar tragedies and protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
By stationing officers in communities at high risk of human trafficking and online exploitation, the AFP aims to intervene early to protect potential victims and prevent criminal offenses. The proactive approach of engaging with community leaders, educating the public, and working with schools demonstrates the AFP’s commitment to addressing these serious crimes. Through these efforts, the AFP seeks to raise awareness about human trafficking and slavery offenses, empower potential victims to seek help, and ultimately prevent further exploitation from occurring.
In light of the under-reporting of human exploitation crimes, the deployment of community liaison officers represents a significant step towards addressing this issue and protecting vulnerable individuals. By increasing outreach and engagement with at-risk communities, the AFP seeks to bridge the gap between victims and law enforcement, ensuring that victims receive the support and protection they need. Through continued collaboration and education, the AFP aims to effectively combat human trafficking and online child sexual exploitation, safeguarding the well-being and rights of all individuals.
