Human trafficking: support
Human trafficking is a serious crime. It can happen to adults or children of any nationality.
It happens when someone is bought, sold, moved or recruited so they can be exploited. It’s also a crime to force someone to work or to keep them in slavery or servitude.
In England and Wales it's called modern slavery.
You can get help if this is happening to you. You can also get help if you’re worried about someone else.
You do not need to be certain to raise a concern.
If this is happening to you
If you want to speak to the police, you can:
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call 999 in an emergency
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call 101 if it's not urgent
If you speak to the police, they will:
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listen to you
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help keep you safe
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explain what will happen next
You have the right to choose the gender of the officer you speak to.
Contact the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline
You do not have to speak to the police to get help.
You can contact the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline:
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call 08000 121 700 (free, 24 hours a day)
The helpline is confidential. A trained adviser will listen and explain what support is available.
If you're worried about someone else
If you think someone may be at risk, you can report it.
You can:
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call 999 in an emergency
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call 101 if it’s not urgent
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call the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700 (free, confidential, 24 hours a day)
Learn about the signs of trafficking and exploitation on the Unseen UK website.
If you’re concerned about a child or young person
If you think a child may be at risk of trafficking or exploitation, report it to the police or social work.
If the child is in immediate danger, you should always phone 999.
Find out more about reporting a child protection concern.
What support you can get
The Scottish Government funds the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) and Migrant Help to provide support to victims of human trafficking and exploitation.
This can include:
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a safe place to stay
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medical care, including mental health support
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legal advice
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help with daily living needs
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an interpreter or translation
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support if you choose to speak to the police
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help to return to your home country, if that is what you want
You can talk to a support worker about what is right for you.
National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is the UK system for identifying people who may have been trafficked or exploited. It also helps people get the support and protection they need.
Read more about how the NRM works on GOV.UK.
Extra support at court
If you’re asked to give evidence in court, you may be able to use special measures to help you feel safer.
This can include:
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giving evidence by video link
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using a screen so you do not have to see the person who hurt you
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having someone with you for support
Speak to your support worker, legal representative or the Victim Information and Advice service about what would help you.
Claim compensation
You may be able to claim compensation if you were physically or emotionally harmed.
For advice, contact:
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your support worker
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your solicitor
Find out about compensation you may be able to claim as a victim of human trafficking.
Other support services
Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA)
Phone: 0141 276 7724 (24 hours a day)
Email: CommsafetyTARA@glasgow.gov.uk (monitored Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm)
Support for women aged 18 and over who may have been trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation.
Migrant Help
Phone: 0141 884 7900 (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm) or 0141 212 8553 (out of hours)
Email: traffickingscotland@migranthelpuk.org
Support for all other adults aged over 18 who may have been trafficked.
Childline
Phone: 0800 1111 (24 hours a day)
Free, confidential support for children and young people up to the age of 19.