Dark Figure of Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking is an under reported crime therefore it is difficult to compile accurate statistics. The Australian Institute of Criminology has released its latest publication, Estimating the dark figure of human trafficking and slavery victimisation in Australia. A new technique known as multiple systems estimation (MSE) which counts the overlap of victims appearing in different combinations across multiple data sources, was employed. Using this technique, it is estimated that the number of human trafficking and slavery victims in Australia in 2015–16 and 2016–17 was between 1,300 and 1,900. It is hoped that a better understanding of the extent of human trafficking in Australia will lead to the provision of enhanced support for those who have been trafficked as well as informing policy development and law enforcement activities.  Download the AIC publication here.