Transforming lives, breaking the cycle of trafficking, slavery, and abuse, no matter what it takes or how long it takes.
About Hagar
Hagar is an international organisation that is dedicated to preventing modern slavery and supporting individuals affected by trafficking, slavery, exploitation, and abuse. With a deep commitment to creating lasting change, we empower survivors, educate communities, and advocate for systemic solutions. Our holistic approach addresses the immediate and long-term needs of individuals, fostering healing, empowerment, and a path towards a brighter future.
Empowering Survivors
At Hagar, we stand beside survivors, providing them with comprehensive support tailored to their unique journeys. From safe accommodations to counselling, legal assistance, education and employment opportunities, we walk alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives. Our trauma-informed care ensures that every survivor receives the dignity, respect, and compassionate support they deserve. Through our "Whole Journey" model, we address the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of survivors, fostering their healing, empowerment, and successful reintegration into society.
Preventing Exploitation
We firmly believe that prevention is essential in the fight against human trafficking, abuse, and slavery. That's why we are deeply committed to educating communities and raising awareness. Through our comprehensive educational programs, we empower individuals with knowledge and tools to recognise the signs, protect themselves, and take action against exploitation. By working hand in hand with communities, we create a network of vigilant, informed individuals who actively contribute to eradicating these crimes.
Influencing Change
Hagar is not only dedicated to the individual survivor but also committed to effecting systemic change. We actively engage in advocacy efforts, collaborating with governments, organisations, and communities to strengthen laws, policies, and protection measures. Our partnerships work towards the prosecution of perpetrators and the prevention of future cases. Together, we are building a global movement that demands justice, safeguards human rights, and stands against human trafficking, abuse, and slavery.
We believe that together, we can make a difference, one life at a time. Let's create a world where freedom, dignity, and equality are the birth right of every individual.
Our History
How did Hagar first begin?
Hagar was founded in 1994 in response to the prevalence of extreme domestic and community violence affecting women and children in post-civil war Cambodia. Hagar Australia was incorporated in 2004, initially in Perth, before moving to Melbourne.
In 2008, Hagar began operations in Afghanistan , supporting women and children facing the worst forms of gender-based violence and human trafficking. The following year, Hagar established an office in Vietnam to care for women who were affected by the growing magnitude of exploitation and abuse. And in 2023, we joined forced with a locally based organisation to work in Thailand. With almost 30 years’ experience, Hagar has transformed into an internationally renowned leader in recovery services for survivors of human trafficking, slavery and abuse.
What is the significance of our name?
The Hebrew name Hagar means “one who flees” or “one who seeks refuge.” The story of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, is the story of millions of exploited, abused, and trafficked women and children.
Around 2000 BC, Hagar worked in a foreign land as a domestic servant for a rich man called Abraham and his wife, Sarah. Sarah was unable to bear children and, following a common practice of the time, Sarah offered her servant to Abraham. When Hagar became pregnant, Sarah grew jealous and threw her out of their home. An angel found Hagar alone in the desert. He promised a blessing on her child, naming him Ishmael, which means “God hears.” In response Hagar declared: “You are the One who sees me.” The story of Hagar is known to many faiths including Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
Hagar is committed to providing sanctuary and hope to women and children like Hagar and Ishmael, walking with each one on the whole journey.
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Where we work
Hagar Australia supports work in Afghanistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
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How we work
Read about our tailored approach to helping survivors of modern slavery.
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Meet the team
Meet Hagar Australia’s board and executive Staff.
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Join us
How you can take action against modern slavery with Hagar.
