Download the report here: Service or Servitude: A Study of Trafficking for Domestic Work in Australia
This research by Heather Moore is the first report to analyse 30+ cases of domestic servitude in Australia. The report compiles new and existing information from a range of sources, including national and international data on domestic work and migration, current government statistics and personal accounts by individuals who have experienced domestic servitude Australia.
Domestic work by nature is hidden from view, which means that domestic workers are at risk of exploitation and servitude. The findings of this research are concerning. A number of women were deceptively recruited to work in Australia for what they thought were genuine jobs in domestic work. Some women thought they were marrying and moving to an exciting new country, only to find themselves trapped in domestic servitude.
Typically, domestic workers were forced to work excessive hours and were often subject to abuse. Escaping domestic servitude was hindered by their lack of English, fear of the police, confiscation of identity documents and violence or threats of violence.
The report includes areas for further research and recommendations to address domestic servitude in Australia.
