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Publication - Progress report

Trafficking and exploitation strategy: review

Published
19 September 2023
Directorate
Justice Directorate, +1 more … Children and Families Directorate
Topic
Law and order
ISBN
9781835212486

Sets out our second review of the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy, first published in 2017 and reviewed in 2020. The review sought to identify if the strategy remained fit for purpose

and reflected the policy and operational landscape associated with Scotland.

View supporting documents Supporting documents

Annex A - Public survey questionnaire and responses

Total Number of Responses – 45

Q1 – Are you aware of Scotland’s Trafficking & Exploitation Strategy?
Yes % No % Did not respond %
27 60 18 40 0 0
Q2 – If you answered Yes to Q1, can you set out what you understand to be the purpose of the Strategy?
Responded % Did not respond %
26 58 19 42

Summary of responses

Majority of those who answered this question cited themes of increasing awareness, reducing/preventing trafficking, protecting victims, supporting response to trafficking and setting out the Government’s approach to all of these.

Q3 – Should the Scottish Government continue to report on an annual basis on progress in implementing the Strategy?
Yes % No % Don’t Know % Did not respond %
39 87 2 4 4 9 0 0
Q4 – Do you think most people understand what is meant by ‘human trafficking and exploitation’?
Yes % No % Don’t know % Did not respond %
12 27 28 62 4 9 1 2
Q5 – What does the term ‘human trafficking and exploitation’ mean to you?
Responded % Did not respond %
42 93 3 7

Summary of responses

Most respondents mentioned things like forced labour, movement of people against their will, using others for financial gain, coercion etc. One person mentioned the smuggling of people between countries having been paid to do so but acknowledged that this might be people smuggling – unsure of the distinction. The difference in terminology between Scottish Government and UK Government was highlighted as being potentially confusing.

Q6 – Do you think human trafficking and exploitation happens in Scotland?
Yes % No % Don’t Know % Did not respond %
43 96 1 2 0 0 1 2
Q7 – In Scotland, which industries/activities do you think might involve adults who are being trafficked/exploited?
Responded % Did not respond %
43 96 2 4

Summary of responses

Most respondents listed a variety of industries. The most commonly cited were nail bars and car washes, followed by sexual exploitation and drugs (farming/selling) then labour such as farming, fishing and hospitality. Other areas mentioned were construction, domestic work, cash in hand economy and takeaways.

Q8 – In Scotland, which industries/activities do you think might involve children who are being trafficked/exploited?
Responded % Did not respond %
42 93 3 7

Summary of responses

As above with the addition of forced marriage, begging, county lines, stealing.

Q9 – How confident would you feel in recognising the signs of human trafficking and exploitation?
Very % Quite % Learn more first % Did not respond %
14 31 23 51 8 18 0 0
Q10 – Where would you report concerns about someone you suspected of being a victim of human trafficking and exploitation?
Responded % Did not respond %
45 100

Summary of responses

Almost all respondents said Police Scotland with Social Work being the next largest. Others mentioned were the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline, Crimestoppers, Local Authority, Border Force, Home Office and Unseen.

Q11 – How could the Scottish Government and partners improve awareness of human trafficking and exploitation with the general public/society?
Responded % Did not respond %
41 91 4 9

Summary of responses

Publicity campaigns and different forms of advertising were the most suggested. Raising awareness that it happens to British Nationals, promoting work of organisations such as Unseen, TARA and Migrant Help. Awareness sessions in schools was suggested by more than one person. A central repository where details of all the various charities is available to the public.

Q12 – Do you have any further comments on Scotland’s approach to human trafficking and exploitation?
Responded % Did not respond %
16 36 29 64

Summary of responses

Similar responses to the previous question – more publicity. Suggestions also included ensuring punishment fits the crime, increase in specialist resources, making sure victims are not prosecuted, more focus on support for victims from police and criminal justice system, longer-term support for victims and a more joined-up national approach.

Contact

Email: human.trafficking@gov.scot

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