Why rescue isn't the end for survivors of human trafficking
Each year, thousands of men, women and children are freed from the grip of modern slavery. Yet freedom is only the first step towards true recovery. At Hagar, we believe that breaking the cycle of slavery and abuse begins with nurturing survivors through every stage of their healing. Without compassionate, long-term support, those we serve can remain at risk of re-exploitation, social isolation and poverty—and the cycle continues.
Survivors face three critical phases on their path to freedom. These phases make up Hagar’s Survivor Care programming.
Safety and stability: Immediate shelter, medical treatment and legal aid.
Healing and empowerment: Counselling, trauma recovery programs and peer support.
Skills and independence: Education, vocational training and small business grants.
Each phase builds on the last. Without stable housing, a survivor cannot fully engage in counselling. Without counselling, they struggle to learn new skills. Hagar’s programming is designed to ensure survivors can re-enter society with the healing and empowerment they need in order to avoid being re-exploited.
Consider Maya’s story. Rescued as a teenager from exploitation, she entered Hagar’s The Whole Journey where she began to heal through counselling and peer support. Over time, she built new skills and confidence - and today she’s using those strengths to earn a living and help guide others on their own journeys.
We have recently released our 2024 impact report, and these numbers remind us that Maya is one of thousands that have received vital support to rebuild their life. In 2024, you helped provide…
3,205 survivors in residential or community care
7,003 counselling sessions delivered
1,548 survivors now running a business or in good employment
1,325 survivors and dependents back in education
1,739 survivors trained in vocational skills
Each of these figures represents a life rebuilt thanks to restoration programmes made possible by donors like you.
In Australia, gifts made before 30 June are tax deductible. That makes EOFY the most cost effective time to expand your impact. A single donation today can fund an entire month of counselling for one survivor, or cover the materials for a skills workshop that equips them to earn a living.
Your donations do more than fill a gap. It:
Builds resilient families through parenting programs and child support.
Strengthens communities via stigma reduction workshops and local partnerships.
Multiplies impact as survivors who become leaders pass on their skills and hope.
Rescue may save a life. But it does not finish the story. Give today to ensure every survivor completes their journey from rescue to restoration before 30 June.
