Protection and support for survivors of modern slavery in the UK: assessing current provision and what we need to change
Despite its stated protective purpose, the Modern Slavery Act has often fallen short when it comes to ensuring support, facilitating effective remedy, and safeguarding victims of modern slavery. Support services have been repeatedly flagged as insufficient to meet the needs of those recovering from modern slavery. Survivors have faced a ‘cliff-edge’ of support exiting the national referral mechanism, depriving them of access to essential services and leaving them vulnerable to re-trafficking. Decision-making timeframes have far exceeded stated benchmarks, leaving many survivors in limbo for extended periods of time. In addition, victims of modern slavery continue to be detained by immigration authorities and criminalised for actions committed while they were being exploited. Yet, at the same time, increasing numbers of survivors have been identified and supported as a result of the Act and associated care systems. This article explores developments in support for victims of modern slavery in the five years since the passage of the 2015 Act, assessing strengths, shortcomings, attempts to fill the gaps in provision, and where we go from here.
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National Legislation
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Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (2012) (UK)
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Modern Slavery Act (2015) (UK).
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Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill [HL] (2019-21) (UK).
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Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill [HL] (2017-19) (UK).
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Proceeds of Crime Act (2002) (UK).
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International instruments
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Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings (adopted 16 May 2005, entered into force 01 February 2008) CETS 197.
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Directive 2011/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on Preventing and Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings and Protecting its Victims (adopted 5 April 2011) Official Journal of the European Union I.101/1.
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European Convention for the Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms (adopted 4 November 1950, entered into force 3 September 1953) ETS 5.
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Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (adopted 15 November 2000, entered into force 25 December 2003) 3336 UNTS 319 (Palermo Protocol).
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