Anti-Slavery week: 34 saved from human trafficking in 2016/17

The PSNI's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit has recovered 34 potential victims of human trafficking in 2016/17.

Published 18th Oct 2017
Last updated 18th Oct 2017

The figures have been released as part of Anti-Slavery week across the UK.

Noelle Collins, a team leader with Belfast and Lisburn Women's Aid, has said that people can be lulled into a false sense of security surrounding human trafficking locally.

"You think of Thailand or the Middle East," she said.

"You don't really think of the leafy suburbs of South Belfast, where in actual fact, there is a market for it here."

Women's Aid works to support abused women and children and Ms Collins said that they have been able to identify trends in where women are being trafficked from.

"Quite a lot of women are being trafficked from Eastern Europe, because they think they can earn money," she said.

"But what happens is the traffickers keep the money and they are given very little to survive.

"Sometimes it's just a mattress and a bed, the minimum food and clothes they've been given.

"One woman told me recently, that in between 20 men a day, she didn't even get a chance to washed."

"You can't even imagine what that would be like."

The work to recover and help a woman after sexual exploitation or human trafficking can be a long journey.

"I've seen women who have been with us for a year, then moved out into the community for a year," said Noelle.

"They then come back to us and say 'I'm really angry about what happened me and I'm getting flashbacks and I need someone to talk to'.

"It's all about moving at womens' pace and we move with them on that."

The Head of the PSNI’s MSHTU Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bell said:“Modern slavery is unacceptable as it violates human rights and denies victims their rights to life, freedom and safety.

PSNI - Example of trafficking victim's bedroom

"Victims are unable to leave their situation of exploitation as they are controlled by threats, punishment, violence, coercion and deception and they often have no one to turn to or trust.

“That’s why I would ask people to help police to tackle this unacceptable crime and contact the PSNI with any suspicions they may on 999 if it’s an emergency, 101 or phone the Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700."

The unit, established in 2015, has helped to rescue 100 people.

The financial year 2016/17 saw 34 potential victims recovered, 22 of whom were female.

There were also six children among that number, four boys and two girls.

The PSNI has issued this advice on what to look out for in regards to potential trafficking:

  • Someone who can’t produce their passport or personal documents.
  • Someone who is unsure of their home address or the local area;
  • Someone who is distrustful of authorities and has no access to medical treatment;
  • Someone who appear to be under the control of others or who has unexplained injuries;
  • An over-crowded house or flat; or
  • Someone who may not have cash because they can’t keep the money they earn;

*To report an instance of suspected human trafficking, you can call the PSNI 24/7 dedicated number of 08000 121 700 or 999 if it is an emergency.*To report an instance of suspected human trafficking, you can call the PSNI 24/7 dedicated number of 08000 121 700 or 999 if it is an emergency.

*Women's Aid can also be contacted 24/7 on 0808 802 1414.*Women's Aid can also be contacted 24/7 on 0808 802 1414.