We are often closer than we think to victims of exploitation
The number of people identified as possible victims of human trafficking in Scotland rose from 99 in 2013 to 387 last year and this represents 387 men, women and children living in unimaginable situations, forced into labour exploitation or sexual abuse by organised criminal gangs profiting financially from the misery they inflict on others.
We need to ensure there is a concerted response to this horrific crime and I have been greatly encouraged by important work taking place to identify victims and survivors and help them recover from their experiences.
As the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, I have a UK-wide remit to encourage better support and protection for victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, and I also want to see an increase in prosecutions so traffickers can be brought to justice.
Police Scotland worked with Romanian police in this case highlighted today to tackle sexual exploitation of Romanian women trafficked to Scotland. Police made arrests in the UK and in Romania for human trafficking, significantly disrupting the activities of cross-border criminal gangs operating across Scotland and beyond.
Human trafficking is a vile crime whereby criminals exploit fellow human beings for financial gain. Vulnerable victims can be forced into labour exploitation, sexual exploitation or criminality by their traffickers. You might come across these victims every day, “working” at hand car washes or nail bars. Criminals today use coercion to control their victims rather than keeping them locked up in chains. We are often closer than we think to the exploitation of others and everyone can play a role in trying to stop human trafficking.
I urge anyone with concerns that they or someone they know is being exploited to contact police There is help out there and we must continue to do all we can to stop this terrible crime.