Human rights advocate Helena Hassani has spoken out about the issue of exit-trafficking, domestic servitude, and forced marriages in Australian migrant communities. She stated that there have been numerous cases where men have taken their wives abroad, never to return to Australia, leaving these women vulnerable and dependent on their husbands’ sponsorship. Hassani highlighted that some Australian men marry women from Asia and exploit them, treating them like sex workers or domestic servants.
In these migrant communities, women are often discouraged from handling money, pursuing education, or becoming employed, as men fear defiance and prefer to have a submissive “servant.” Hassani explained that the cultural practice of keeping women uneducated and subservient allows men to maintain control and live according to their preferences without any challenge. This oppressive behavior towards women has led to cases of forced marriages, domestic abuse, and exploitation within these communities.
Anti Slavery Australia (ASA) has been actively working to combat human trafficking and slavery in Australia, assisting victims and advocating for their rights. They have reported cases of women being deceived into leaving Australia to be forced into marriage, with the expectation that they will bring their families over for a better life. Survivors of forced marriage have shared their experiences of being manipulated and pressured into marrying someone they do not know or love, making it difficult for them to resist the demands of their families.
Hassani’s organization, Boland Parwaz, is dedicated to re-educating perpetrators of forced marriages and abuse in migrant communities. She works with men who have exploited and mistreated women and children, aiming to change their beliefs and behaviors through education and awareness. Despite facing resistance and justification from some men, Hassani remains committed to challenging harmful cultural practices and advocating for the rights of women and victims of human trafficking.
One of the cases highlighted involved a woman who was threatened with murder unless she boarded a flight to India with her infant child. This led to the first exit-trafficking conviction in 2021, showcasing the severity of the issue and the lengths to which perpetrators will go to control and exploit their victims. The Australian Federal Police urge anyone with information about potential modern slavery or trafficking to come forward and report any suspicious activities.
Hassani’s work as a human rights advocate, UN delegate for Australia, and researcher has been recognized internationally, with her receiving a medal at the Women Changing the World Awards in London. Despite facing challenges and resistance from those within her own community, she continues to speak out against the injustices faced by women and victims of exploitation. The issue of exit-trafficking, forced marriages, and domestic servitude remains a pressing concern in Australian migrant communities, highlighting the need for collective action and awareness to combat these forms of abuse and exploitation.
