Twenty years of impact
News
In 2005 a group of women gathered in Brisbane to confront the global tragedy of modern slavery, leading to the founding of ACRATH (Australian Catholic Religious Australia Against the Trafficking of Humans).
Since then, ACRATH has continued to grow, supporting victims and survivors, advocating for their rights, educating the community and raising awareness about human trafficking and modern slavery both in Australia and internationally.
In June 2025, after more than a decade of ACRATH membership, Good Samaritan Sister Sarah Puls took on the role of executive officer, landing in the middle of the 20th birthday celebrations.
Reflecting on the occasion, Sarah said in the 20 years ACRATH has been active, members have made a great contribution to the understanding of the reality of modern slavery in Australia and had a huge impact on the experience of victim/survivors.
“The government-funded pro-grams which are now so important in responding to the needs of victim/survivors were mostly non-existent when ACRATH began and their existence is, in part, a result on the advocacy ACRATH did over the years,” she said.
“The Support for Trafficked People Program, the Forced Marriage Specialist Support Program and the existence of the Additional Referral Pathway have all been shaped by the advocacy of ACRATH members.”
ACRATH was also a key participant in the successful campaign for the establishment of the Commonwealth Modern Slavery Act, as well as several other pieces of legislation.
“We are proud of our work but also recognise that we couldn’t have done any of it alone,” Sarah said.
“We know that our voice was heard and that the outcome has been better support for those who have experienced human trafficking and modern slavery.”
ACRATH’s identity as a Catholic organisation has been key to raising awareness of slavery and trafficking across the Catholic sector, particularly in the education, healthcare and parish settings.
Sarah said this ranged from practical matters such as tracing supply chains for anti-slavery procurement to completing ACRATH’s micro-credentials for future teachers and health workers to train them in identifying and assisting the victims of trafficking.
She is hoping that ACRATH can continue to build on the work already being done in schools to encourage young people to share their gifts and their deep interest in the issues in a way that fits with their often busy lives.
In Adelaide, ACRATH is collaborating with Young Mercy Links in a ‘Near to Peer’ program. YML members are trained and are available to speak to, and do workshops with, senior students in schools about issues around human trafficking and modern slavery.
One favourite topic is fast fashion.
“ACRATH’s work has always been guided by our learnings from people who have lived experience of human trafficking, modern slavery, and other forms of exploitation,” Sarah said.
“Over many years we have learnt from people who are offered support through our Companionship Program. As ‘Companions’ ACRATH members provide a warm, friendly presence – the support of a ‘good neighbour’ to people who might feel and be disconnected from traditional support systems.”
While celebrating its 20th year is a great achievement, Sarah said there was still much to do.
“There is no decrease in the statistics from around the world about slavery and human trafficking,” she said.
“The challenge is to be asking: Where is the need now?’ How can ACRATH best respond to the needs of today?”
Sarah is a guest speaker at ACRATH SA groups’ upcoming event ‘ACRATH 20 Years of Impact’ to be held on February 12 at St Ignatius Church, Norwood at 6-8 pm. All welcome. Free tickets are available at events.humanitix.com/acrath-20-years-of-impact
