Point Cook, Melbourne couple charged with keeping a woman as a slave

A couple have been arrested and charged with modern-day slavery offences after allegedly keeping a woman under ‘coercive control’ in their Melbourne residence.

The man, 44, and woman, 29, from Point Cook are set to front court today following an eight month investigation by Australian Federal Police.

Authorities were tipped off in October 2022 by a healthcare worker who visited the address and had concerns the woman was allegedly ‘exhibiting indicators of human trafficking’.

The AFP alleges the woman was ‘kept in domestic servitude at the Point Cook home between January and October 2022.’

Officers raided the property on October 27 last year. 

AFP officers raided the property on October 27, 2022  after a healthcare worker visited the address and raised concerns 

The man and woman have both been charged with possessing a slave, using coercion and threats to cause another person to enter into and remain in servitude and having control over a slave.

The offences have a maximum penalty of 25 years jail. 

AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said the AFP does training for first responders, healthcare professionals, and the community to recognise indicators of human trafficking and slavery.

‘Everyone can play a role in stopping human trafficking. We encourage anyone who suspects human trafficking or sees something suspicious to report it,’ Det Supt Butcher said.

‘Without the assistance of the community – in this case healthcare professionals – victims may go undetected and we would not be able to provide victims the help and support they need.’