Safeguarding adult victims of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation

Modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) is global, complex and hostile. It is one of the most lucrative crimes in the world, second only to the illegal drugs trade. MSHT has profound implications for the physical, mental  and sexual health of victims both during and after exploitation. Evidence shows that victims present in healthcare services and yet healthcare professionals aren't equipped to know how best to support them. The health consequences of MSHT reach beyond individual injury or infection. MSHT markedly impacts human relationships, families, parenting and societal wellbeing and, for these reasons, is a major public health problem.

This session provides training for NHS safeguarding leads in safe, accurate and strategic leadership and decision-making for suspected cases of modern slavery, human trafficking and exploitation.

It describes a pathway for trauma-informed, person-centred victim identification, safeguarding and care, using case study examples based on real patient encounters and events.