News In Focus

Review of Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy under way

A review of a three-year strategy to tackle human trafficking has been launched by Community Safety Minister Ash Denham.

Responses will help ensure the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy continues to effectively combat human trafficking beyond 2020.

Victims and support agencies are being invited to provide feedback through an online survey.

Speaking at a human trafficking engagement event to mark Anti Slavery Day, Ms Denham said: “I urge victims, survivors, support organisations and key partners in delivery of the strategy to share their views and help shape our approach. Your feedback will help us evaluate the work so far and ensure the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy remains fit for purpose beyond 2020.

“Human trafficking is often closer than we think. Victims often fear their traffickers, have distrust of the authorities and lack awareness that there are agencies that can support them to safety and recovery.

“It is vital that we ensure a collaborative and robust approach to tackling human trafficking, and I welcome the resources COSLA and NHS have published for their staff, which give public sector employees tools to spot the signs of trafficking and report it when they encounter it, enabling a swift and intelligent response to support victims.”
 

• The Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy was published in May 2017, with a review required within three years as outlined in The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015.