Identifying victims of trafficking

 
 

Human trafficking is the acquisition of people by improper means such as force, fraud or deception, with the aim of exploiting them. First and foremost,  human and trafficking is a crime against humanity.

Please call our 24-hour confidential Referral Helpline on 0300 3038151 available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


Adult victims of trafficking

Are trafficked all over the world for little or no money – including to and within the UK. They can be forced to work in the sex trade, domestic service, forced labour, criminal activity or have their organs removed to be sold.

There is no typical victim and some victims don’t understand they have been exploited and are entitled to help and support.

Victims are often trafficked to a foreign country where they cannot speak the language, have their travel and identity documents removed and are told that if they try to attempt an escape, they or their families will be harmed. 

Estimated figures

  • 300,000 people are trafficked within the EU every year
  • From 1 July 2011 to 6 January 2012 The Salvation Army supported 193 victims to get their life back
  • Victims come from all over the world – including nine from the UK

 

Identifying trafficked people

  • Is the victim in possession of a passport, identification or travel documents? Are these documents in possession of someone else?
  • Does the victim act as if they were instructed or coached by someone else? Do they allow others to speak for them when spoken to directly?
  • Was the victim recruited for one purpose and forced to engage in some other job? Were their transport costs paid for by facilitators, whom they must pay back through providing services?
  • Does the victim receive little or no payment for their work? Is someone else in control of their earnings?
  • Was the victim forced to perform sexual acts?
  • Does the victim have freedom of movement?
  • Has the victim or family been threatened with harm if the victim attempts to escape?
  • Is the victim under the impression they are bonded by debt, or in a situation of dependence?
  • Has the victim been harmed or deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care or other life necessities?
  • Can the victim freely contact friends or family? Do they have limited social interaction or contact with people outside their immediate environment?
     

What to do

If there is immediate danger to the suspected victim or if you think that the suspected victim is under 18, inform the police and call 999 as a matter of urgency.

The Metropolitan Police with Stop the Traffik have a 24 hour hotline for victims to call or to report suspected trafficking. The number is 08007832589.

For England and Wales, please call our 24-hour confidential Referral Helpline on
0300 3038151 anytime of the day or night to refer a victim of trafficking or receive advice.

Northern Ireland and Scotland:
Migrant Help - 07766 668781
Scotland: TARA - 0141 276 7724   

Of course not all victims want to be rescued and there many be instances where reporting a suspected trafficking case puts the potential victim at risk.