Author: Great Britain: Inter-Departmental Ministerial Group on Human Trafficking

Publisher: The Stationery Office

Published: 2012-10-18

Total Pages: 114

ISBN-13: 9780101842129

This report sets out an assessment of human trafficking in the UK. Fuelled primarily by those who seek to make a profit from the misery of others, human trafficking is the vilest of crimes and equates to modern day slavery. Men, women and children from across the world are exploited and forced into performing services or other work against their will. In some instances the exploitation can be experienced over a prolonged period of time. Those who are exploited may face years of sexual abuse, forced labour, or domestic servitude and, in many instances never fully recover from their traumatic experience. In 2011, 946 potential victims of human trafficking were referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). Of these, 634 were females and 312 were males, 712 were adults and 234 were children. The majority of potential child victims were reported to be in the 16-17 year old age category. The UK Government published its Human Trafficking Strategy in 2011 which aims to take a comprehensive approach by focusing on preventing trafficking activity and maintaining effective care for victims. Although the UK has already achieved significant progress in the fight against trafficking, it recognises that any response must be able to quickly adapt and evolve to keep pace with the traffickers. Three key areas have been identified where further concerted effort is needed to improve and strengthen the UK's approach: data capture and intelligence sharing, training and awareness raising for front-line professionals, and coordinating prevention activities