The Salvation Army UK speaks out about lack of systemic follow-up care for victims of trafficking
by Catherine MALLET
Major Anne Read, director of anti-trafficking and modern slavery at The Salvation Army in the UK has recently been quoted in a major British newspaper highlighting their concern over the lack of follow up and support for victims of trafficking after the assessment process. Under current rules, potential victims of modern slavery in England and Wales receive a minimum of 45 days of support, including accommodation, medical care and counselling in government-funded support, delivered by the Salvation Army. However Major Read stressed that while we and other organisations work hard to help victims on their road to recovery, there were no official services or body monitoring their care after receiving our support services, it’s not systematic or procedural, rather it’s just people stepping in and filling in the gaps. The risk of falling straight back into the hands of traffickers is obvious.
Under EU law, member states are required to provide assistance to identified victims of slavery and trafficking “in their physical, psychological and social recovery”. But charities including The Salvation Army have warned that such provision does not exist, with victims instead directed to join long waiting lists on the NHS, where the support they require often isn't available.
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Tags: Europe