Modern slavery is a crime hidden in plain sight: it targets the most vulnerable in our society and seeks to use them as commodities from which to make profit. Homelessness is both an outcome and a driver of modern slavery. Often those experiencing homelessness are targeted by perpetrators and traffickers; and those who have fled from their traffickers are often left destitute, with nowhere to go.
In the year 2022 – 2023 The Passage Modern Slavery Service supported 52 people*, a 21% increase compared to the previous year.
In our most recent report, our figures revealed that for the first time since this service was launched in 2018, our Modern Slavery Service supported more women than men.
The report also revealed that:
- The age of those in need of support varied between 18 and 70 years old.
- These people originate from 31 different countries, with the UK being the most predominant (17%).
- 24 people (65%) had No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) status.
- 3 people (6%) had learning difficulties.
- 28 people (54%) had mental health support needs.
- Labour and sexual exploitation were the most common forms of slavery seen.
Below we have detailed the ways in which we support survivors of Modern Slavery.
The Passage’s Anti-Slavery Team offers holistic support to survivors of Modern Slavery, including access to our primary services, signposting to First Responders, respite accommodation (if suitable), health and mental health support and care until they receive the relevant support from the Government.
If the survivor agrees, we work together with them to enter their case into the National Referral Mechanism (NRM); a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive appropriate support.
At least 36% of the survivors supported by The Passage were experiencing homelessness before exploitation and 75% became homeless as a result of their exploitation. 60% are now in safe and suitable accommodation.
Moving forward, The Passage is committed to continue working with statutory agencies, the third sector and with people with lived experience of modern slavery to improve the quality of our multi-agency case conference (MACC) model and to enhance housing options for survivors.
For further details, read the full report. Or, find out more about our work to uncover Modern Slavery in the homeless community.
*1st April 2022 – 31st March 2023