Supporting victims and survivors
The identification of a victim is the first step in what can be a lengthy recovery process.
If you have concerns that someone is experiencing exploitation, there are a number of agencies who can assist.
- In cases where there is immediate danger call 999 and ask for the Police.
- If you would like to speak to the Police but the issue is non-urgent, call 101.
- Advice and assistance can also be gained from the Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700, and/or Salvation Army helpline 0800 808 3733.
Potential victims of modern slavery are entitled to support and protection from the UK Government. To access this support victims must be referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
It is essential that all victims are provided access to high-quality care and the support to rebuild their lives. The following resources have been developed by partnerships and sector experts to help direct practitioners and survivors to appropriate support.
Mapping of Trafficking Survivor Services: this resource produced by the Human Trafficking Foundation, IASC and ATLEU shows support services for survivors in the UK.
Victim care pathways: As a partnership, you may wish to develop guidance on the identification, referral and support of potential victims encountered in your area. The following links are examples of victim care partnerships which have been developed by existing partnerships.
Legal support: Victims of modern slavery may require a range of legal support, from advice on immigration and housing, to compensation. The links below will direct you to useful legal resources.
Support for survivors: Various initiatives and projects have been developed to build survivor networks, confidence and skill sets. Examples of these initiatives are listed in the links below.
Victim care pathways
A Path to Freedom and Justice: a new vision for supporting victims of modern slavery
Accessing Support as a Victim of Modern Slavery (Adult)
Adult Modern Slavery Protocol for Local Authorities: NRM Process Guide for Local Authorities (2018)
Identifying Pathways to Support British Victims of Modern Slavery towards Safety and Recovery: A Scoping Study
Local Authorities’ Referral Pathway for Adult Victims of Modern Slavery (2018)
Modern Slavery: Adult Pre-NRM Casework Toolkit
National Referral Mechanisms: Joining efforts to protect the rights of trafficked persons
Pre-NRM Accommodation Experiences of Survivors of Modern Slavery
SIFA Fireside Briefing: Adult Modern Slavery Pathway
Snowdrop Project - Post-NRM Living
The Slavery and Trafficking Survivor Care Standards, 2018
Training Framework: Identification, Care and Support of Victims and Survivors of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Wales Survivor Care Pathway
Legal support
ATHUB: Anti-Trafficking resources for lawyers
ATLEU: Anti-Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit
Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) Accountability Hub
Immigration Law Practitioner’s Association (ILPA)
Support for survivors
Co-op and City Hearts ‘Bright Futures Programme’
Going places: Journeys to recovery
Impact of COVID-19 on Modern Slavery Survivors in the UK & USA: Preliminary Survey Findings
Mapping Trafficking Survivor Services
Northern College’s Free Thinking Programme
Photographing Modern Slavery: Recommendations for Responsible Practice
Supporting victims of modern slavery who are homeless during COVID19
Survivor Alliance
Survivors of trafficking and the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme
The Journey of our UK Survivor Network: Challenges & Successes
The Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
Victim and Witness Care Coordinators – Cambridgeshire
Voices: Ideas for using survivor testimony in antislavery work
