What to do if you've been trafficked
If you’ve been forced to work for little or no pay in a job you can’t leave, you might be a victim of human trafficking.
Human trafficking is also known as modern slavery or exploitation.
You can be trafficked to do lots of things, eg to work in people’s homes, in manual jobs such as construction and farming, or into prostitution.
If you think you’re a victim of human trafficking, call the police by dialing 999.
You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s important to know that:
- the police will help you
- you’ll be protected from anyone you think might hurt you
- you don’t have to give evidence in court unless you choose to
How to tell if you’ve been trafficked
While every case of trafficking is different, there are signs you can look out for if something doesn’t feel right about your situation.
Promise of a better life
You can be trafficked by someone you’ve met in person or online.
They might have:
- brought you to work from another country, though you can be trafficked within the UK
- promised you a good job or a relationship
Being forced to work
You might have been trafficked if you’ve been:
- forced to work very long hours
- paid very little, or nothing at all
- forced to have sex with people
Having your freedom taken away
Your traffickers might have stopped you leaving by:
- taking away your passport
- claiming you owe them money, perhaps for travel or accommodation
- accompanying you wherever you go
- threatening to hurt you
You can be trafficked by people you trust
Joy came to the UK when she was twelve to help her aunt and go to school. Instead of going to school, she had to work long hours in the house. At 15, Joy was sent to work for her aunt’s friend, who would slap her when she did something wrong. The friend's husband would sometimes abuse her. Joy couldn’t find her passport, but eventually left the house and found support through a charity.
Source: Rights of Women, May 2014
After you call the police
The police will take you somewhere safe, away from your trafficker.
You will be provided with support and assistance. For example, this may include help with accommodation, language translation, information and emotional support, such as counselling.
The police will investigate the people who trafficked you. You’ll get support and protection if you want to give evidence against them in court.
You’ll get help to return home if you’re from a country outside Europe and it’s safe for you to go back. If returning would put you at risk, you’ll get help applying to stay in the UK permanently.
See mygov.scot for more about your rights if you have been trafficked.
If you don’t want to talk to the police
It's ok if you don't want to speak to the police - you can contact a charity who helps victims of trafficking.
Call the confidential Modern Day Slavery helpline for victims of human trafficking and modern slavery on 0800 0121 700. The helpline is open 24 hours a day.
You’ll get help leaving your situation when you’re ready, and building a life afterwards.
If you want to talk to someone in person, go to your local Citizens Advice. They’ll give you advice on what to do next, and put you in touch with expert support in your area.
Support for people who’ve been trafficked in Scotland
The Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) is funded by the government to support women who are over 18 and have been trafficked for sexual exploitation. They can offer safe accommodation and services such as counselling, legal advice and healthcare.
Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA)
Telephone: 0141 276 7724
Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 5pm, answering machine 24/7
Support for victims of trafficking in all languages
Migrant Help provides support for victims of human trafficking in all languages. This support includes secure accommodation, emergency medical treatment, family reunification and help moving forward with life in the UK should the victim stay in the UK.
Migrant Help
Telephone: 0141 884 7900
Out of office hours: 07766 668 781
Website: www.migranthelpuk.org