Exploitation has no place in any society. Everyone deserves freedom, safety, and dignity.
Human trafficking is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. It involves the use of force, coercion, deception, or abuse of vulnerability to exploit people for personal or commercial gain. Victims are often trafficked for sexual exploitation, forced labour, criminal activity, domestic servitude, or organ removal.
At STN Women’s Lives Matter, we provide specialist support for survivors of trafficking and modern slavery, and work to raise awareness of the signs and risks to help protect others.
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people through coercion, deception or abuse of power, for the purpose of exploitation. It can happen across borders or within a single country—including here in the UK.
Victims may be:
- Promised work, education, or safety—and then exploited
- Forced to work long hours in unsafe or degrading conditions
- Trapped in domestic servitude or forced criminality
- Exploited through sexual violence or coerced prostitution
- Threatened, manipulated, or emotionally controlled
- Deprived of identification, wages, freedom of movement, or access to healthcare
Types of Exploitation
Human trafficking can take many forms, including:
- Sexual exploitation – forced prostitution, pornography, escort work, or sexual acts against someone’s will
- Labour exploitation – working long hours for little or no pay, often in construction, agriculture, car washes, or nail bars
- Domestic servitude – being forced to work in private homes with no pay, freedom, or rights
- Criminal exploitation – being forced to commit crimes, such as theft, drug cultivation, or county lines activity
- Organ trafficking – trafficking people for the illegal trade in organs
Signs Someone May Be Trafficked
Trafficked people often appear controlled, afraid, or unable to speak for themselves. Warning signs may include:
- Not having access to their own passport or ID
- Working excessively long hours with no breaks or pay
- Living at their workplace or with their employer
- Being closely monitored or accompanied at all times
- Showing signs of fear, anxiety, or physical injuries
- Lacking knowledge of where they are or who they are with
- Having limited social interaction or freedom of movement
“I was told I’d be working in a hotel. When I arrived, I was forced into sex work. They kept my passport and threatened my family back home. I didn’t even know I had rights until someone helped me escape.”
— Elena, survivor of trafficking for sexual exploitation
Human Trafficking in the UK
Trafficking doesn’t just happen overseas—it’s a growing issue within the UK. People are trafficked from other countries and within the UK itself, including British citizens.
According to the UK Home Office, thousands of potential victims are identified each year, with increasing numbers of children being groomed and exploited by criminal gangs.
How We Support Survivors
We offer confidential, trauma-informed support for people affected by trafficking, including:
- Emergency safety planning and crisis intervention
- Help accessing the National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
- Legal advocacy and support with immigration or asylum claims
- Help with finding safe housing and accessing healthcare
- Therapeutic support and recovery programmes
- Rebuilding independence and confidence through education or work
All of our services are free, confidential, and non-judgemental. We work in partnership with specialist trafficking organisations to ensure each survivor receives the right support at the right time.
Are You or Someone You Know in Danger?
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you suspect someone is being trafficked, contact:
- Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700 (24/7 and confidential)
- Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111 (anonymous)
- Or speak to a trusted professional (e.g. teacher, GP, housing officer)
Know Your Rights
Everyone—regardless of immigration status, age, gender, or background—has the right to live free from exploitation. If you are a victim of trafficking, you have rights to:
- Protection and safety
- Medical and psychological support
- Legal advice
- Access to housing, food, and financial assistance
- Remain in the UK for a recovery period, even if undocumented
Partner With Us
We provide training and support for professionals, businesses, and community organisations to identify and respond to human trafficking. To arrange a session or access resources:
Email: rosa@gmail.com
Phone number: 0750 761 4843