Warning: This article contains mentions of slavery, trafficking and sexual abuse. If you or someone you love needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Today is International Day for the Abolition of Slavery and United Nations are taking the opportunity to remind us that slavery “is both a historic horror and a contemporary outrage.”
With 50 million people currently trapped in modern slavery, it’s vital that we all do what we can to bring an end to enforced labour.
“On International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we remember the victims of the past – particularly the millions of African people ripped from their homes, exploited, brutalised or killed during the transatlantic slave trade. And we think of the 50 million people trapped in modern slavery,” said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
“Together, let’s right historic wrongs and build a world free from the abomination of slavery.”
And while for many of us, December is a time for wrapping gifts, attending festive events and spending time with family, A21 says Christmas is also the perfect opportunity to work together by expanding hope. “There are millions of people enslaved today, but together we can change that,” they say.
A21 is a global non-profit, non-governmental organisation working to fight human trafficking, for people like Bianca* who was abused by her alcoholic father. As a result, she was unable to receive an education, leaving her no option but to marry young.
The marriage became increasingly psychologically abusive, with Bianca’s husband exploiting her sexually to support his drug addiction. Despite trying to escape with her two children, Bianca was trapped.
This all changed when the A21 Hotline in Greece received a call about Bianca’s situation and the anti-trafficking police escorted Bianca and her children to safety, connecting her with A21 for aftercare services.
Bianca has actively participated in Life Programs, gradually beginning to believe in herself again and on the day her third child was born, her trafficker was convicted to 10 years in prison.
These days, Bianca has a good job and rents a home with her children. It didn’t come easy, but she works hard to overcome the trauma, build emotional resilience, and provide for her kids.
For more information about the work of A21 – and ideas on helping people like Bianca, visit a21.org and make a difference today.
If you or someone you know is struggling, there is help available.
- Australian Federal Police (human trafficking hotline for reporting): Australia (+61) 131 237
- Lifeline Australia: a 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention service. Call 13 11 14 (24 hours, 7 days) or visit lifeline.org.au.
- Suicide Call Back Service: This is a nationwide service that provides professional 24-hour phone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide. Call 1300 659 467 (24 hours, 7 days) or visit suicidecallbackservice.org.au.
- Beyond Blue: Providing support programs to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders and other related mental illnesses. Call 1300 22 4636 or chat online at beyondblue.org.au.
- Hope 103.2 Careline: Call the Hope 103.2 Careline for support and prayer on 02 7227 5533 (free call) on weekdays between 9am-11pm, including Public Holidays.
Feature image: Photo by Ye Jinghan on Unsplash.
Bianca’s story shared thanks to A21.
*Names have been changed to protect privacy.