A short film project by Hagar Singapore, “The Invisible Contract” brings to light the deceptive terms and conditions that cause an individual to be bound and trapped in exploitation – truths that are hidden from victims and communities.
How do traffickers target their prey? What keeps victims bound? What lies beneath this insidious crime that has successfully enslaved women and children across the world? Using threats, manipulation and assumed debt, traffickers coerce victims into sexual exploitation or forced labour. The obligations of the contract effectively render victims powerless; they are unable to terminate their employment and are forced to comply. Singapore is an attractive transit point and destination country for human trafficking. Disguised as legitimate recruitment agents and using fake promises of job opportunities to trick victims, traffickers recruit foreign young women to work in Singapore. In recent years, the majority of persons trafficked to Singapore enter on a work permit for performing artistes.
Filmed in Singapore, “The Invisible Contract” brings to light the deceptive terms and conditions that cause victims of human trafficking to be bound and entrapped in exploitation. Deceived by a false job advertisement and fraudulent recruitment agent, Deepa unsuspectingly accepted the job offer of working in Singapore as a cultural dancer. The job promises a ticket out of poverty; she would be able to get a doctor to treat her sickly mother and send her two younger sisters to school.
Upon arrival in Singapore, Deepa realises she’s been duped but it was too late. Exploiting her vulnerabilities and her love for her family, the traffickers use multiple tactics to control her and forced her to comply with their demands. Through a spate of events, Deepa was rescued by the authorities and referred to Hagar Singapore where she received holistic recovery care and empowerment support to start a new life.
Learn about the binding truths of human trafficking that are hidden from victims and communities – WATCH THE MOVIE HERE
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By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.
Help us transform lives
Donate now
By partnering with Hagar, you’re supporting survivors to heal from the trauma of severe abuse. Our work is dependent on charitable giving by people like you.