Support for Trafficked People Program

The 5 program streams 

The STPP has 5 streams. These streams are outlined in detail below. If victims and survivors wish, they will be able to receive Post Exit Check-ins for up to 12 months. 

Intensive Support Stream  

This stream allows for intensive support for 90 days to all people referred to the STPP. This support is given regardless of whether they assist with the investigation or prosecution of a human trafficking or slavery offence.  

Clients have access to the following support as needed: 

• case management support 
• secure accommodation 
• a living allowance 
• an amount for the purchase of essentials 
• additional assistance for dependents, if required 
• access to health care 
• access to interpreters 
• access to legal services and migration advice 
• assistance with accessing income support and a Health Care Card, if eligible. 

Forced Marriage Support Stream  

The Forced Marriage Support Stream provides intensive support for up to 200 days for clients who are in, or at risk of, a forced marriage.  

This includes access to the 90 days of support already provided on the Intensive Support Steam. 

Clients can be referred to the STPP by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) or through the additional referral pathway. Since February 2018 they have been able to access additional support without needing to contribute to a criminal investigation or prosecution against their alleged perpetrators.  

This stream recognises forced marriage victims and survivors are often young women and girls who are highly vulnerable needing complex support. Noting they may not feel comfortable taking part in an investigation or prosecution against those who are forcing them to marry because these are usually parents, relatives or community members.  

The Forced Marriage Support Stream was established in 2019 following recommendations made in the evaluation of the Forced Marriage Stream Trial.  

Clients of this stream have access to the same support as provided through the Justice Support Stream. To access the Forced Marriage Stream, the potential client must be: 

• assessed by the AFP or Salvation Army as being reasonably suspected to be in, or at risk, of a forced marriage 
• an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or have a visa status that allows them to stay in Australia 
• not willing to participate in a criminal investigation 
• agree to receive further support. 

Justice Support Stream   

The Justice Support Stream provides support until the investigation and prosecution of a human trafficking or slavery-related matter is finalised.  

Clients have access to the following support as needed and if eligible: 

• assistance with accessing income support and a Health Care Card, if eligible 
• assistance with securing longer-term accommodation 
• assistance to purchase essential furniture and household items 
• access to Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme 
• access to legal services and interpreters 
• assistance to obtain employment and training if desired 
• links to social support. 

To access this support, clients must be willing to participate in a criminal justice process including engagement with the AFP. 

Temporary Trial Support Stream  

The Temporary Trial Support Stream provides intensive support for trafficked people who return to Australia to give evidence about a human trafficking prosecution.  

Recipients are entitled to short-term accommodation and a weekly living and food allowance. 

Transition Stream  

The Transition Stream allows for a 20-working day period available for clients leaving the STPP to help them to transition back into life outside the STPP 

Post Exit Check-in 

After exiting from the STPP, victims and survivors still in Australia may choose to engage with a caseworker at 3, 6, and 12 months to receive extra assistance to help with recovery.  

This assistance is based on individual needs. It may include: 

• providing information 
• accessing services 
• finding additional support 
• financial support for emergency items. 

Human Trafficking Visas 

The Australian Government has a comprehensive Human Trafficking Visa Framework comprised of the Bridging F Visa and the Referred Stay Visa.  

These visas enable foreign nationals who do not already hold a valid visa to stay in Australia lawfully to help with criminal justice concerning their modern slavery experience.  

Just like Australian citizens and other valid visa holders who are suspected trafficked people, they can then access support through the STPP. 

The Salvation Army can also help you find free legal advice to assist with your case. The Salvation Army service is free and confidential. They can also help find you an interpreter.  

More information and help 

If you or someone you know is in a modern slavery situation, or at risk of forced marriage, there are people who can provide information and support. This includes accommodation, financial support, counselling and legal and immigration advice.  

• Call Triple Zero (000) if someone is at immediate risk or requires urgent assistance. 
• Call the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on 13 12 37 (131AFP) or go to the Australian Federal Police(Opens in a new tab/window) website.
• Call the Salvation Army on 1800 000 277 (1800 000 ARP) or go to their additional referral pathway(Opens in a new tab/window).
• Contact My Blue Sky, Australia's national forced marriage service for support and free, confidential legal advice about forced marriage. You can: 
  • call 02 9514 8115  
  • text +61 481 070 844 
  • email Help@mybluesky.org.au  
  • visit the My Blue Sky(Opens in a new tab/window) website.

Don’t speak English?  

Call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 13 14 50.  

The Translating and Interpreting Service does not provide counselling, however, an interpreter can help you communicate with other services. All calls are free and confidential.