First Responders to Human Trafficking and the Support They Offer
PROFESSIONAL ROLE AT BAWSO
My Name is Glory Williams, I work as a Senior Practitioner Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (MSHT) and Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA). My role includes assessing and providing support for potential victims and victims of abuse such VAWDASV (Violence Against Women Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence), FGM (Female Genital Mutilation), HBV (Honour Based Violence) and HT (Human Trafficking). I give advice and information, especially to black and ethnic minority groups within our local community. I also deliver training, raise awareness, attend meetings, conferences, and am involved in raids/operations and welfare checks. I also refer victims of MDS (Modern Day Slavery) into the NRM (National Referral Mechanism) process.
Bawso is the lead organisation in Wales providing practical and emotional support predominantly to the black minority ethnic (BAME) and migrant victims of domestic abuse, sexual violence, human trafficking, female genital mutilation and forced marriage. Founded in 1995, our vision is of a future where all people in Wales are free from abuse, violence and exploitation. To achieve this vision, we have been working tirelessly for twenty-four years to end all forms of violence against women. We have supported a quarter of a million people.
THE NEED WE ADDRESS
People/victims who identify as black or minority ethnic face many issues and barriers to accessing help, from being treated like second-class citizens within their own communities, to wider discrimination in British society, from isolation, insecure immigration status and language barriers, to fears of being ostracised by the community if they flee abuse.
They need support to understand what constitutes abuse, safety and protection from harm, often caused not only by partners but also by immediate and extended family. They need to re-gain confidence and skills to start afresh and live independently, often for the first time in their lives. They also need empathetic advocacy to navigate the maze of support services.
HOW WE HELP
We intervene at the earliest opportunity to protect people at risk of violence and support those who are affected by it, accompanying them on a journey towards safety and recovery. We do this by delivering specialist services that are accessible 24/7, 365 days a year, via our 24 hour helpline, advice and advocacy open door centres, purpose-built refuges, and community-based services. We offer:
- Housing advice and support services to victims of violence.
- Support services to victims of domestic and sexual abuse.
- Human trafficking support/modern day slavery support.
- Hate crime support and a reporting centre.
- Female genital mutilation (FGM) support.
- Forced marriage and honour-based violence support.
- We can also help victims of abuse with NRPF (No Recourse to Public Funds).
We contribute to women and men not becoming victims repeatedly, by building their confidence, assertiveness, and understanding of their rights. We support them to recover from the trauma they have experienced and move on with their lives. Finally, we work with BAME communities to challenge harmful traditional practices and change attitudes that allow abuse to continue to go unreported.
It is important to recognise the types of modern slavery that constitute a crime under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. “The Modern Slavery Act 2015 is a UK act of Parliament designed to tackle slavery and human trafficking through the consolidation of previous legislation and the introduction of new measures.” These are labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, forced criminality, domestic servitude and organ harvesting.
SIGNS AND INDICATORS
Includes the following:
- Having no personal identification or passport/documents held by someone else.
- Lack of money/control over own finances or lack of access to earnings.
- Living/sleeping in the place of work.
- Any evidence of control of movement either as an individual or group.
- Limited contact with family & limited social contact.
- Others seeking to speak for the person you are trying to engage.
- Living or found in ‘degrading’ conditions.
- Children not in education.
SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS
Potential victims and victims of modern slavery who have entered the NRM and received a positive reasonable grounds decision are being supported by the Victim Care Contact (VCC). They are eligible to:
- Receive financial support.
- Recieve material assistance.
- Access interpretation services.
- Recieve information and advice.
- Access medical care and counselling services.
- Access safe and secure accommodation.
- Access relevant legal services.
- Access a support worker.
BAWSO raise awareness and deliver training on modern day slavery as well as our other projects to agencies and members of our local communities.
PRACTITIONER TRAINING AVAILABLE
We also reduce the barriers BAME victims face in accessing statutory and voluntary services, by training practitioners on the needs and experiences of the BAME community. We offer training programmes on:
- Human Trafficking Support/Modern Day Slavery.
- Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Support.
- Forced Marriage and Honour-Based Violence Support.
CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE AT WGU
Criminology and Criminal Justice lie at the heart of contemporary debates, which consider how we as a society respond to and understand crime. One such crime which is critically addressed across the curricula in both our undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, is the topic of modern day slavery and human trafficking. Here, students will critically engage in debates surrounding exploitation and trafficking, with students learning about the practical information needed when attempting to support victims. In addition to understanding the criminological theory underpinning modern day slavery and human trafficking, students will also explore what makes people vulnerable to trafficking, how individuals might be trafficked, and how to make accommodations for the effects of trauma. With expertise in the field, and links to a wide range of industry professionals, the Criminology and Criminal Justice degree programmes at Wrexham Glyndŵr University also draw upon a wealth of experience to enhance the student experience.
You can find out more about our Undergraduate or Postgraduate programmes and apply direct today for a September 2021 start.
BAWSO 24HR HELPLINE NUMBER: 0800 731 8147 BAWSO Wrexham office: 01978 355818
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