LiftHER

Human trafficking involves exploiting people through force, deception, or coercion. Women and girls are most commonly trafficked for sexual exploitation, but trafficking also includes forced labour, domestic servitude, and criminal exploitation. It strips people of autonomy, safety, and dignity, placing them in situations where escape can feel impossible.

In the UK, thousands of potential victims are referred to safeguarding systems each year, yet the true scale of trafficking is believed to be far greater. Trafficking thrives in secrecy, targeting vulnerability and relying on the failure of systems to recognise and protect those affected.

How it presents

Trafficking can take many forms. Some women are promised work, accommodation, or safety, only to find themselves trapped in brothels, factories, private homes, or criminal networks. Exploitation may involve sexual violence, unpaid or underpaid labour, or being forced to commit crimes.

Control is often maintained through threats, violence, debt, isolation, or the confiscation of identity documents. Movement may be restricted, even when individuals appear to live ordinary lives on the surface. Common indicators include fear of authorities, untreated injuries, restricted communication, or rehearsed explanations. Because trafficking is hidden and complex, it often goes unnoticed by the public and professionals alike.

The impact

The impact of trafficking is severe and long-lasting. Many victims experience physical violence, sexual assault, and chronic health problems linked to unsafe living and working conditions. Psychological effects commonly include trauma, anxiety, depression, and fear of retaliation against themselves or their families.

Survivors may face significant barriers to recovery, including stigma, lack of legal status, insecure housing, and limited access to employment or healthcare. Rebuilding life after exploitation can take years, requiring stability, trust, and ongoing support. Trafficking not only harms individuals, but also exposes wider failures in safeguarding and protection.

The system response

In the UK, trafficking is recognised as modern slavery under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Victims may be referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), which can provide access to support, accommodation, and legal advice. However, the system has been criticised for delays and inconsistent outcomes, leaving some survivors without certainty or protection.

Fear of deportation, retaliation, or disbelief can prevent people from seeking help. Law enforcement faces challenges in identifying trafficking networks, particularly when victims are isolated or controlled. Specialist charities play a vital role in providing safe spaces, advocacy, and recovery support, but demand often exceeds available resources. While awareness has improved, many victims of trafficking remain unseen and unsupported.