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Fact Sheet - Support for victims of people trafficking
The Support for Victims of People Trafficking Program (‘the Program’) is coordinated by the Office for Women, Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).
The Program
The Program began in 2004 and provides support to victims of people trafficking who are both willing and able to assist with criminal investigations and prosecutions of people trafficking offences within Australia.
The Program is demand driven and available to all victims of trafficking who meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of gender, or the purpose for which they were trafficked. Victims are usually identified by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Australian Federal Police (AFP), or via self presentation to a police station.
Phases of Support
Eligibility for the Program is linked to visas granted under the People Trafficking Visa Framework and provides the following three phases of support:
Phase One – intensive support for up to 30 days. The person must be identified as eligible by the AFP. Usually the person enters the Program on a Bridging Visa F (BVF) which is valid for up to 30 days. Recipients of the BVF are not permitted to undertake paid employment.
During this initial 30 day period victims have access to the following support:
- secure accommodation;
- a living allowance;
- a food allowance;
- an amount for the purchase of essentials such as clothing and toiletries;
- access to health care, including counselling; and
- access to legal services.
Phase Two – less intensive support until the investigation and prosecution of a people trafficking offence is finalised.
To be eligible for Phase Two the person must be granted a Criminal Justice Stay Visa (CJSV), which requires them to continue to assist the AFP and the Commonwealth Department of Public Prosecutions with the investigation or prosecution of a people trafficking matter, and to remain within Australia. CJSV holders are permitted to undertake paid employment.
In Phase Two clients have access to the following support:
- Special Benefit, Rent Assistance and a Health Care Card administered by Centrelink (if they meet eligibility requirements);
- assistance with securing longer term accommodation;
- assistance to purchase essential furniture and household items;
- access to the Medicare Benefits Scheme and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme;
- access to legal services;
- assistance to obtain employment and training ( including English language training) if desired; and
- links to social support.
Phase Three – intensive support for victims who return to Australia to give evidence pertaining to a people trafficking prosecution. Recipients are entitled to levels of support similar to those in Phase One, and include:
- secure accommodation;
- a living allowance; and
- a food allowance.
Who delivers the Program?
The Australian Government Office for Women administers the Program and has contracted a non-government specialist organisation to provide case management services.
Individual case managers are responsible for ensuring the appropriate delivery of support services, to meet clients’ individual needs.
Options for clients after the Program
Clients of the Program who are deemed to be at risk of harm if they return to their home country as a result of their contribution to an investigation or the prosecution of trafficking offenders, may be eligible for temporary or permanent Witness Protection (Trafficking) Visas.
Holders of this visa are not currently eligible for assistance through the Program.
The Australian Government also offers some reintegration assistance for victims of trafficking who return to their countries of origin.
Contact Us
Australian Government Office for Women
Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
PO Box 7576
Canberra Business Centre ACT 2610
Phone: 1800 808 863
Fax:(02) 6212 9572
From outside Australia +61 2 6212 9572
Email: women@fahcsia.gov.au