Foreword

Slavery has deep and far-reaching roots in today’s society. Hidden in plain sight, it is hard to distinguish and even harder to tackle. The criminals who prey on vulnerable people for their own profit are often highly networked within communities and across borders. Even when people are rescued from exploitation they can face complex and challenging routes to rebuild their lives and move forward.

Despite this there is much to be hopeful about. There is a wealth of expertise and dedication in the wide range of organisations who are pitted against these crimes and advocating for survivors. From police forces and criminal justice systems to businesses, charities and national and local government bodies, the trafficker is being attacked and the survivor supported on all sides.

The Salvation Army has the privilege of holding the prime contract in England and Wales, to deliver support to survivors of slavery through the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (MSVCC). The true impact of this contract on survivors’ lives is thanks to everyone who works with us, bringing together their creativity, expertise, time and resources to find solutions.

Much has already been achieved through working together, but the potential to combat modern slavery is formidable when there are even more cohesive partnerships.

I am encouraged to witness increasingly close working relationships with our subcontractors and the Home Office through the MSVCC, as well as many other key agencies on a national and international level and through local and regional partnerships.

Maximising the potential for these relationships continues to be one of our key priorities, with a particular focus on organisations such as local authorities and health commissioners who hold the keys to vital support like housing and mental health services.

In this report you will read about the impact of these partnerships in improving opportunities and future prospects for survivors as we work together to influence policy and improve access to services.

We are developing other important partnerships at home and abroad, for example by strengthening links with local Salvation Army churches and community centres across the UK including areas outside of the MSVCC.

At the centre of everything that is happening within this sector is a focus on making it possible for survivors to have a stronger voice in shaping a world which will help build a brighter future. Thanks go to all those who are stepping forward to help with these initiatives and to everyone teaming up with The Salvation Army and our subcontractors to tackle modern slavery and reduce its potential to devastate lives.

Major Kathy Betteridge,

Director of Anti-Trafficking and
Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army

Read full report here.