When The Passage became the first homelessness organisation to formally name the link between modern slavery and homelessness, it marked the beginning of a vital shift in the sector. It was Dr Júlia Tomás who helped turn that insight into lasting change.
Joining The Passage in 2018 with years of experience in human trafficking across Europe, Julia brought both expertise and determination. Driven by a clear conviction – that the rights of the most vulnerable must be protected – she led the development of specialist support that has transformed how homelessness services respond to exploitation.
Making the invisible, visible
When Julia arrived at The Passage, exploitation within homelessness services was often hidden. Together, we helped to show that homelessness can be both a cause and a consequence of modern slavery – and that without safe housing, recovery is far harder.
As awareness grew, so did the need for specialist support. Julia moved beyond training and research into frontline delivery, and The Passage’s Modern Slavery Service was born.
Building specialist support
Since then, more than 300 survivors have been supported and housed through trauma-informed, specialist provision.
The work led to the creation of a Multi-Agency Case Conference model, the introduction of a Modern Slavery Navigator role, and te development of a Modern Slavery Toolkit used nationally.
What began as local insight has helped influence wider policy, guidance and prevention strategies internationally – starting in England, Scotland, New York and Dublin.
Women are at the heart of this vital change
Women – from commissioners, researchers, practitioners to survivor leaders – have played a central role in shaping this progress. Their leadership, persistence and expertise continue to drive change across the sector.
Julia’s focus remains clear: modern slavery must be embedded within homelessness strategies as a core safeguarding priority – not treated as an add-on. Because survivors deserve systems that see them, believe them and protect them.
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