More than 8,000 modern slavery victims in Scotland
Human Trafficking
More than 8,000 people living in Scotland are victims of modern slavery which is 10 times higher than was first thought.
The official Government estimate is 800.
A new report from the Centre for Social Justice and Justice and Care says the 8,000 figure could be just the ‘top of the iceberg’.
According to the study, human trafficking has only gotten worse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act (2015)
In October 2015, MSPs passed the Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act which introduced new offences and provided support for victims.
But nearly five years on the challenge of modern slavery in Scotland remains as great, if not greater, than ever before.
CARE’s response
“Behind closes doors, hidden in plain sight, human trafficking happens everyday across Scotland. While the 2015 Human Trafficking legislation was a bold step in the right direction, this report clearly shows there is more to do. All of us have a responsibility to speak up for victims and stay alert for the signs of modern slavery.”
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More than 8,000 modern slavery victims in Scotland