Jenny was 14 when she was sold. A British girl, she was groomed by a 70-year-old white British man, sold on and sexually exploited for years, resulting in horrendous physical injuries and psychological trauma.
Robert is an Eastern European, a husband and father of four. He came to the UK on the promise of escaping poverty – a better life for his children and employment. He was tricked and forced to work for no pay, to live in unimaginable conditions, and in fear of violence.
Every day men, women and children are bought and sold.
Human trafficking is widely accepted as one of the greatest human rights issues of our time. Although slavery is illegal in every country in the world, there are thought to be at least three times more people enslaved in the world today than during the period of the transatlantic slave trade from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This is modern slavery.
Human trafficking is a complex and often hidden crime. People are abused - used as commodities over and over again for the profit of others. It is an increasing problem in Scotland, having been identified in every local authority, in both cities and rural communities. with a 70 per cent increase in trafficking victims identified in the first six months of 2019. Across the UK, British men are most likely to be trafficked and subjected to forced labour.
Lord McColl, sponsor of the Modern Slavery (Victims’ Support) Private Members Bill, said, ‘Modern slavery is a terrible crime which robs people of their dignity and freedom. For many it also robs them of their future, leaving them without security, a home, an income or a route back into society.’
Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS) is a new Scottish Registered Charity committed to the eradication of human trafficking in Scotland and to ensuring the lasting freedom of survivors. We aim to aim to support those most at risk of trafficking to build resilience avoiding exploitation and help in the rescue of victims.
We also know that the survivors’ journey to rebuild their lives is a long and complex one. The risk of re-trafficking is real. We aim to use our anti-trafficking expertise to help survivors rebuild their lives, regain control and make decisions that are liberating and realise their potential.
There are positive stories. Jenny was rescued, spent time in a safe house and was able to secure long-term support. She now lives independently, is a voice for the voiceless, and an advocate in places of government. Robert and his family are also rebuilding their lives after crisis care and a long-term support programme. He has a permanent job and the family has a home where they can rebuild their lives. Unfortunately, there are many more like Jenny and Robert who have not yet been recovered or who do not have access to the long term support which means they avoid the risk of further exploitation.
Robert said, ‘Without long-term support we were at risk of re-trafficking. Now we are excited and positive about our future.’
October 18 marks Anti-Slavery Day. If you believe everyone in Scotland should enjoy this freedom, join us in providing services, donating funds and raising awareness.