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What is the UKHTC?

The United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre (UKHTC) was established to lead the fight against human trafficking. As global experts in their field, the Centre brings together a number of agencies – from law enforcement and government to non‐governmental agencies (NGOs) and charities – to create a specialist team.

The experience of the UKHTC in advising on victim care and how to deal with traffickers can reassure members of the public that if they call with information it will assist the suspected victim and the matter will be dealt with efffectively. Victims can also be reassured that any information will be dealt with in complete confidence and that the welfare of the victim always comes first.

The UKHTC takes a victim‐centred human rights approach in its outlook to victim support. Victims are often severely traumatised by their experiences and need specialist and sensitive care to help them stabilise their lives and plan a return to normal life. The victims often go from being unaware of their plight to being afraid of inviting violence or repercussions once they become aware and are therefore reluctant or unable to come forward. Their status as potential key witnesses is also important. As such, with victim care critical in the bringing of successful investigations and prosecutions against traffickers, they must feel that their rights are respected through professional care and security.

Are only young women trafficked?

Trafficking is not just a problem for young women. Children as young as five are made to beg and steal and are forced into sexual slavery and pornography. Grown men and teenage boys are used for forced labour, older women as domestic workers. Young women are at greater risk. They are often naive and willing to believe the promises of traffickers. And they have no shortage of ambition for a better life. Their youth makes them more desirable to traffickers looking for young girls to service their male clientele.

Do only prostitutes end up in trafficking rings?

Many people think that all women who are trafficked are prostitutes. People also think prostitution is a glamorous life of romance, silk stockings and money. But the reality is far removed from this. Most women who are trafficked are forced into prostitution against their will. They are beaten, raped and abused. They go abroad based on false promises of good jobs and economic opportunities, often out of ambition to earn money and make a better life for their children and family. Some women go to escape abusive husbands. Some lack the education they need to find a good job. Others are professionals who can't find work in their chosen profession. They are accountants, nurses and teachers. They are people just like you.

Are only abandoned children at risk of being trafficked?

No, but abandoned children are particularly vulnerable. Without mothers or fathers, aunts or uncles, sisters or brothers, children seek refuge wherever they can, in care institutions, in shelters, in the streets. They often lack education, proper identification and documentation and almost always have no visible means of economic support. They are prime targets to be exploited, sold and resold by traffickers. But it is not only abandoned children who are at risk. Poverty and unemployment are so widespread that scores of young people, even from the most stable families, are vulnerable.

Does human trafficking mean only sexual exploitation?

This is a common misconception. Although sexual exploitation is common, children and adults are enslaved in illegal sweatshops, as field hands in the food processing industry, as construction workers and in other diverse forms of work. They can be sold and resold, earning healthy profits for traffickers. They are enslaved, exploited and stripped of the most basic human rights.

Do friends often turn out to be recruiters?

Some studies have shown that in every one hundred recruitments, six are done by a close relative, while in three out of ten recruitments the trafficker is a close friend. Almost half of the recruitments are performed by other acquaintances of the victim. Recruiters are from every age group. These include women who are better able to manipulate the dreams and aspirations of their peers. The recruiters often come from the same dire social and economic background as their recruits. They are willing to put their own profits and economic interests ahead of the welfare of friend or family members.

Is it typical for a trafficked person to be locked in?

Those who are trafficked are often restricted in their movements. The traffickers don't want their victims to run, telephone the police or call for help. Behind closed doors, they are beaten, punishedand tortured. This abuse and exploitation makes it easier for the trafficker to guarantee compliance and to discourage escape. In the end, the traffickers recruit with lies and false promises and secure their investment through beatings and forced submission.

Are job offers used often as a recruitment method?

Job offers are the most widespread recruitment method. But another popular method includes bogus marriage proposals or job offers over the Internet. Women respond because today it can be difficult to live in many countries where there is poor economic development. Illusions sell well. When going abroad, women and girls should arm themselves with the right information and be aware of the danger signs. Contact information, including mobile phone numbers should always be left with a trusted friend or relative. Family members should know how to get in touch as well as the city and country of destination. They should always keep in close contact to make sure everything is OK.

Is it typical for the recruiter to take care of all arrangements?

The recruiter typically takes care of everything, including arranging documents, tickets, meals and housing. The recruiters are likely to be part of an organized criminal network that includes passport and visa forgers, bogus employment agents, drivers, pimps, brothel owners and even state officials. He (or she) is also skilled at manipulating the victim. He doesn't want the victim to back out and discover the fate of others who put their trust in him. Once a victim falls prey to the system, it's harder to escape. There are people and organizations, however, willing to help.

Should trafficked people avoid the police?

Fear of the police and other law enforcement agencies can be understandable. Many of those trafficked are abroad illegally. Traffickers remind their victims of this to intimidate and gain submission. They also threaten families and friends if they go to the police. But the majority of girls and women who have managed to escape have done so with the help of the police. Many have been freed by police after raids on brothels, houses and apartments. The police work closely with partners, including the Immigration Service and other support agencies to ensure victims who escape are given the right support and protection according to their own individual needs. The police also work with Intergovernmental and other Non Governmental Organisation's to deliver repatriation and reintegration programmes where this is in accordance with the victims wishes.