In March 2025, member of the Our Rescue Training & Prevention team embarked on a transformative month-long journey to Western Australia, invited by Rotary District 5300 as part of Rotary International’s Vocational Training Team (VTT) program. This initiative, backed by a Rotary Foundation grant, allows professionals from around the world to travel and share their knowledge on pressing global issues. The VTT program fosters professional development, builds international relationships, and enhances global understanding through educational exchange.
Our team was honored to join this initiative to help raise critical awareness on the issue of sex trafficking in places where many believe it isn’t happening. On this trip, our team had the privilege of working with several key groups, including the Australian Federal Police, Western Australia Federal Prosecutors, the Department of Communities, Walk Free (Forrest Foundation), and the Red Cross. Each interaction provided valuable insights into how Western Australia is approaching human trafficking—and where further support and education are needed.
A Month of Impactful Engagements
From March 9 to March 30, the Our Rescue team participated in over 20 events, reaching a diverse range of audiences—from local Rotary clubs and university students to government officials and law enforcement. The schedule was packed with impactful presentations, workshops, and meetings, each designed to not only raise awareness but also foster collaboration.
Some of the highlights of the trip included:
- University Presentations: The team spoke to student interns at the University of Western Australia, sharing insights on the realities of trafficking and the role of education in prevention. Professor Garry Allison and Rebecca Tolstoy helped bridge academic and practical approaches in their discussions.
- Law Enforcement Training: The team collaborated with Western Australia Federal Police and Federal Prosecutors, focusing on the legal frameworks and enforcement strategies essential to curbing human trafficking. Our Rescue Senior Director of Training & Prevention Allison Smith, Director of Survivor Engagement June Haskell, and Prosecution Subject Matter Expert Russell Smith’s presentations provided in-depth knowledge on trafficking’s devastating impact and the critical role of law enforcement in prosecution.
- Rotary and NGO Partnerships: Across various Rotary Clubs, including those in Guildford, Rockingham, and Perth, the team held presentations that showcased the intersection of community support and law enforcement. Their work highlighted the need for cohesive strategies across sectors—from prevention education to post-rescue services.
Our team engaged in presentations and training sessions for more than 1,000 individuals, addressing a wide range of trafficking issues—from sex trafficking and forced labor to online safety and sextortion. A common thread throughout the trip was the clear demand for additional training and resources.
Some of the key groups and individuals we engaged with include:
- The Western Australia Federal Police
- Path of Hope, University of Western Australia
- The Red Cross Anti-Trafficking Response Team
- Walk Free – Forrest Foundation
- Western Australia Department of Communities (Child Protective Services)
- Graceville Women’s Refuge, Salvation Army
- Department of the Attorney General, Knowledge Management and Compliance
- University of Western Australia
- Western Australia Human Rights Commission
- Commissioner for Victims of Crime, Department of Justice
These conversations were not one-sided. As our team shared their experiences, they also listened. It became clear that in some parts of Australia, sex trafficking is not always seen as a prevalent issue. Early conversations highlighted this dynamic. In some instances, our team was told that sex trafficking was not an issue in Australia and that forced marriage was the most common form of trafficking they encountered. While the discussions were eye-opening, our team also recognized a gap in understanding, especially when it came to viewing individuals trapped in sex trafficking as victims rather than simply “choosing” their path.
During one of our meetings with local law enforcement, June Haskell, who is also a survivor of sex trafficking, felt compelled to pause and address this perspective. She boldly emphasized the importance of recognizing the vulnerability and exploitation faced by many individuals in the world of commercial sex. While the conversation was intimidating, it ultimately led to a productive dialogue, with the officials expressing gratitude for the insight and shifting their views moving forward.
“June’s courage to address the federal police about their misunderstanding of women’s free choice to work in brothels dramatically changed the conversation. The reality is that when a country legalizes brothels, the illegal sex industry thrives,” said Russell Smith. “This means that more women and children are being exploited than before the legalization of brothels. For example, in Melbourne, the illegal sex industry is estimated to be five times larger than the legal sector. While the state has 91 licensed brothels, there are approximately 500 illegal ‘massage parlors’ brothels operating outside the law.”
The Need for Training and Education
There was a clear and resounding request for more training in Western Australia. Across the board, many organizations and individuals our team engaged with asked for further education on the issue of sex trafficking. The demand was so great that several organizations, including law enforcement agencies, universities, and human rights commissions, indicated a desire for ongoing collaboration.
“Our team was encouraged that at the end of each Rotary presentation, many Rotarians were eager to become involved in ending human trafficking in Western Australia,” said Allison Smith. “We will continue collaborating to ensure these individuals have the tools and knowledge necessary to make a difference in their communities.”
This is why we do what we do—seeing these issues up close only deepens our team’s conviction that training and prevention are essential, not just for frontline responders but for entire communities working to stop trafficking before it starts.
Looking Ahead
The impact of this mission extends far beyond the 30 days we spent in Western Australia with the amazing team from Rotary International. Our Rescue is committed to supporting these organizations and individuals in their journey to combat sex trafficking and child exploitation, providing the necessary tools and resources to make a tangible difference.
One of the key takeaways is that of the VTT team members from Our Rescue, Russell Smith, will be working with Dr. Fiona to co-author a paper on establishing a Western Australia Human Trafficking Task Force. This task force will enable investigators and prosecutors to handle human trafficking cases from start to finish without being hindered by the legal and self-imposed barriers that currently impede human trafficking cases in Western Australia.
We are grateful for this chance to strengthen our global partnerships, fostering meaningful conversations about the true nature of trafficking, and opening doors for future collaboration and training opportunities. We look forward to the continued success of these partnerships and the work that lies ahead. Thank you, Rotary International, for this incredible opportunity.