The Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery, based in London, has released a report highlighting gaps in support – especially long-term support – for victims of human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK.
The report is based on original research commissioned by the Human Trafficking Foundation. The research’s attempt to “understand what long term support currently exists, where the gaps are, and what additional support is required” found “gaps in knowledge and understanding amongst frontline personnel at all stages of the journey of recovery, often with severe consequences.”
The report notes that, currently, support “tends to focus on the immediate response to identified victims.” “Move-on” support recently extended to six months has been criticised for being devoled to the Home Office, notorious for “bias and extremely slow decision-making.” More generally, however, it is the entire system that is found to be “not fit for purpose.”
The report seeks to influence policy through the following key recommendations: