Salvos join the world in praying for slavery and human trafficking victims
COMPILED BY SIMONE WORTHING
This Sunday, 27 September, people all around the world will gather to pray for the victims and survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT).
This year’s theme is ‘Open Our Eyes’, inspired by Proverbs 31:8 (New Living Translation): ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.’
Praying for those who have been trafficked is a powerful way to stand with survivors and to advocate for an end to exploitation. In this way, we walk alongside victims and survivors and give them a voice through the prayers we offer to God.
To listen to General Lyndon Buckingham’s message for this day, click on the arrow below.
At The Salvation Army, we believe that everyone should be able to live in peace without being exploited and we open our hearts and minds and ask the Lord to hear our prayers to protect the vulnerable throughout communities across the world.
To download the 2026 poster, Bible studies for adults and children, prayer guide, campaign instructions and additional resources, click here.
Trafficking in Australia
In 2024-25, the Australian Federal Police received 420 reports of human trafficking and modern slavery, an increase of 10 per cent from the previous year and nearly double the number reported five years ago.
For more information from Anti-Slavery Australia, click here.
Salvation Army Australia response and Safe House
The Salvation Army runs the only Trafficking and Slavery Safe House in Australia.
Manager Melina Matthia and her team support and works closely with survivors of modern slavery, including those who have experienced trafficking, forced labour, debt bondage, domestic servitude and forced marriage.
As survivors recover from exploitation experiences, Melina and her team work to restore safety and autonomy and help them build new independent lives.
One resident of the service described its impact this way: “I have hope again to survive, to have independent life again. It’s not easy but it’s possible to survive. My mental health is more stable now than before the first time I came to the Safe House. I know how to regulate my emotions.
“I think this program will be helpful for someone who doesn't have experience living an independent life before. I think this can be an inspiration.
“I feel safety here at The Safe House, but at the same time I feel freedom.”
To read the Salvos Safe House story, click here.
