Modern slavery is not a phenomenon of the past – it manifests itself in many ways and inconspicuously in private households today. Whether as cleaners, nannies, employees or carers, these people work hard and are often exploited because of their situation.
Modern human trafficking in private households
Human trafficking is a serious human rights violation in which people are treated as commodities, so to speak, and deprived of their freedom. In 2021, around 27.6 million people worldwide were affected by forced labour – about 16.6% of them in private households.
Exploitation can take the form of sexual exploitation, organ removal, labour exploitation, begging or coercion to commit criminal acts. When people are forced into forced labour in private households, this is referred to as human trafficking for the purpose of labour exploitation – including in private households.
In private households, victims often work as domestic workers, child carers, nursing staff or cleaners. The exploitation is characterised by serious violations of rights, freedoms and humane working conditions, far beyond normal exploitative conditions.
Affected groups
Exploitation in households affects women, men and children equally. Migrants or people without secure residence permits, who are easily blackmailed, are often particularly affected. In many cases, they are promised legal work and protection, but in practice they are forced into coercive situations.
The problem is well known in Austria: human trafficking is increasingly associated not only with sexual exploitation, but also with labour exploitation, for example in households, care or the service sector. Victims are often in a weak economic position – isolated, without networks, with language barriers or a lack of legal knowledge.
Types of exploitation in private households
Exploitation in households can manifest itself in many different ways
- Unfair working conditions: Victims are forced to work excessive hours with little or no pay. Breaks, free time or leaving the accommodation are prohibited.
- Dependency through debt or advance payments: Victims are often granted a loan or pay a high agency fee – and thus fall into debt bondage.
- Isolation and restriction of movement: Employees often live in the household and are not allowed to go out or maintain contact with the outside world.
- Withholding of identity documents: Employers keep passports or identity cards in order to maintain control.
- Threats of violence or sanctions: If they try to resist, they are threatened with punishment, violence or even deportation.
- Child labour and exploitation: In some cases, children are forced to work in the household – whether cleaning, doing housework or childcare without protective measures.
These forms often overlap: debt bondage, restrictions on movement and excessive working hours often exist simultaneously.
What we can do
The problem is complex, but there are concrete steps we can take as a society, initiatives and individuals to take action:
- Education & awareness: Many victims only realise late that they are being exploited. Public awareness can make such situations recognisable earlier.
- Legal protection & control: Authorities such as the labour inspectorate have a duty to intervene when there are reasonable grounds for suspicion and to refer those affected to support services. In addition, there are counselling and support services (e.g. LEFÖ-IBF, MENvia, UNDOK) in Austria that assist those affected.
- Strengthen reporting channels: The Federal Criminal Police Office’s human trafficking hotline accepts reports around the clock. Anyone who suspects human trafficking can use these channels.
- Build support networks: NGOs, social services and initiatives can reach victims, provide safe spaces and offer legal advice.
- Political demands: Legislation must be improved, controls expanded and international cooperation in the fight against human trafficking strengthened.
- Responsibility of employers and households: It must be made clearer, especially in private households, that labour standards also apply here – fair contracts, transparent working hours, adequate pay and freedom of movement are necessary.
Modern slavery in private households is a hidden suffering – but we can take action against it: through information, courageous reporting, effective legal protection and solidarity. Hope for the Future is committed to ensuring that no one has to become a victim within the walls of a house – but can live, work and be free with dignity.
Translated by Anna Smith
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