For most people, human trafficking is something only read about in the news or seen in a documentary. But sadly, thousands of women, men, and children around the world have experienced it firsthand—including here in Scotland.
“Human trafficking is one of the most serious and barbaric crimes, profiting from human misery”
-Neil Wain International Programme Director, Hope for Justice
In Scotland, the number of human trafficking victims has grown quite worryingly over the last five years. In 2013, there were 99 potential victims of trafficking recovered in Scotland. In 2016 that number rose to 150. In 2017, that number rose by 42% to 213. And in 2018, 228 referrals of potential trafficking victims were sent to Police Scotland. Estimates of the actual number of trafficked victims in Scotland are much higher.
At Amma, we frequently support pregnant woman who have escaped trafficking situations—and whose pregnancies are often the result of the exploitation they have faced. These women are typically referred to Amma by the Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA), an organisation funded by that Scottish Government that supports female survivors of trafficking across Scotland.
We spoke with Carolann Nesbitt, TARA’s Service Manager, to find out more about TARA and the vital service they provide.
A: TARA provides support to women, over 18 years, where there are concerns they are trafficked or exploited. We are a 24/7 response service.
The support we provide includes:
This support is person-centred, trauma informed and takes a three-staged model approach. Our role primarily focusses on stages one and two: creating safety followed by a period of stabilisation. Although our office is based in Glasgow, we provide a service to women throughout Scotland.
A: Yes, TARA provides training and information to other organisations and community groups when capacity allows. We have a duty worker available during office hours to provide information and advice.
A: We receive referrals from frontline professionals and community groups. Potential survivors of trafficking for sexual exploitation can self-refer to our service. Referrals can be made by telephone 0141 276 7724 or by email commsafetyTARA@glasgow.gov.uk
The referral process involves initial consultation followed by assessment of risk and needs. Women are provided with information about our service and the supports available. TARA operates a trauma-informed service informed by a recovery-based support plan for a period of 12-18 months, depending on identified needs. We also offer a signposting service to women not eligible for our support.
A: Migrant Help provides support to male victims of trafficking and women trafficked for purposes other than sexual exploitation in Scotland. The Salvation Army is contracted by the UK government to provide a similar service in England and Northern Ireland. They also subcontract services to a range of support providers. Social Work services and the Scottish Guardianship Project provides support to children under 18 years.
A: The impact of TARA and Amma’s alliance has been extremely positive. Our staff and service users have found the service provided by Amma to be invaluable for our clients as it greatly improves their resilience and personally supports them during such a difficult and isolating time.
Having a birth companion has given service users the confidence to plan their birth with the knowledge that a professional friend is on hand to support them through the process. The alliance has also helped develop skills within our team who are now better equipped with knowledge about childbirth support available through Amma.
A: Identification and detection of victims of trafficking remains a complicated issue and although awareness of trafficking is improving there is always the need for vigilance. If there remains a demand for prostituted women unfortunately (mostly) women will be trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation to meet this demand.
Wider structural changes are required to assist women out of poverty and the circumstances that make them vulnerable to exploitation.
Language barriers remain a major issue with a lack of English classes available for the volume requiring this support. As does the limitations placed on women who have care of children.
All of this would help the recovery of the women we support.
You don’t have to be qualified to recognise the signs of human trafficking. Simply keep your eyes and ears open and pay attention to any of the following warning signs:
If you would like to refer a potential victim of human trafficking and/or exploitation, support, and assistance to potential and confirmed adult victims of trafficking is provided through:
Or you can also contact:
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Many of the parents we support at Amma Birth Companions are about to give birth but don’t have a pram. Having a pram can make such a difference, making it easier for new parents to get out and about and access essential services.
When Aveen arrived in the UK, expecting her first child, she was seeking safety and a fresh start. After fleeing war in her home country, she found herself in Scotland unable to speak or read English. With no friends or family around to support, Aveen felt isolated, anxious, and afraid.
A study conducted by Amma Birth Companions has found instances of discrimination, high rates of intervention, and issues with interpretation and communication that contribute to disparities in perinatal care for women seeking asylum, refugees, and those with varied immigration statuses.
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