Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org

UK Police Cite ‘Widespread Frustrations’ with NRM

  • Published on
    January 17, 2019
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Human Trafficking, Law & Policy, Rehabilitation & Liberation
Hero Banner

Police in the UK are citing “widespread frustration” with the National Referral Mechanism, the government scheme to identify and support victims of modern slavery, saying a victim-centered approach is necessary.

At a meeting of the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC), West Yorkshire police and crime commissioner (PCC) Mark Burns-Williamson, told the committee that, “Supporting victims is absolutely key – having non-governmental organisations as part of the frontline and their support is imperative, and this is why there is widespread frustration with the NRM.” 

Related Campaign: Support for All UK Modern Slavery Victims.

Baljit Ubhey, Director of Prosecution Police and Inclusion at the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), added that despite an increase in the number of cases being referred to CPS via the police, referred cases still only make up only 7% of modern slavery cases in the country.

Police Professional reports:

Questioned on why just seven per cent of modern slavery cases were being passed to the CPS by forces nationally, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer said “give me the resources and I’ll give you an increase” in the modern slavery referrals rate.

“I’m not going to say that policing is perfect in its investigations – it is not,” said Mr Sawyer. “It’s inconsistent- the gap between the best and the back of the pack is too big, but the back is way ahead of where we were two years ago.”

He added that “victims, consistency and capacity were the three main drivers” in combating modern slavery – “victim support is enduring support” and other agencies have to be involved.

“There needs to be sustained commissioned support, as with domestic violence victims, especially as victims can be re-trafficked,” said Mr Sawyer.

Rob Jones, the NCA lead on modern slavery and human trafficking, pointed out that investigations into modern slavery are complex because “many of these offences are linked to other criminality – and many of those who are involved and targeted for modern slavery might actually be charged with other offences.”

Anti-slavery campaigners have been especially vocal about the pattern of human trafficking victims being charged for crimes they were forced to commit by their traffickers.

Burns-Williamson noted that there is a need to stop such criminality, saying that “The needs of the victim must be central to any response. Ensuring that there are adequate services for victims is crucial in supporting them and reducing their vulnerability through empowerment. ”

Subscribe

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

This week

New legal precedents: the case of Tuff Torq Corp’s child labor violations

Tuff Torq Corp., a Tennessee-based manufacturing company is facing substantial fines close to $300,000 for exploiting children and violating child labor laws by having them operate hazardous machinery and work illegal hours, as declared by the Department of Labor (DOL). These specific fines are unique to other child labor law violation cases for the new legal precedents they set. The company which is known for producing power equipment parts for brands

| Monday March 25, 2024

Read more