What to do if you've been trafficked

Summary

You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s important to know that: * you’ll be protected from anyone you think might hurt you * you don’t have to give evidence in court unless you choose to While every case of trafficking is different, there are signs you can look out for if something doesn’t feel right about your situation. You can be trafficked by someone you’ve met in person or online. * brought you to work from another country, though you can be trafficked within the UK * promised you a good job or a relationship You might have been trafficked if you’ve been: Your traffickers might have stopped you leaving by: * claiming you owe them money, perhaps for travel or accommodation Joy came to the UK when she was twelve to help her aunt and go to school. Instead of going to school, she had to work long hours in the house. At 15, Joy was sent to work for her aunt’s friend, who would slap her when she did something wrong. The friend's husband would sometimes abuse her. Joy couldn’t find her passport, but eventually left the house and found support through a charity. The police will take you somewhere safe, away from your trafficker. If you’re a victim of trafficking you’ll have at least 4.

Key information

• •you’ll be protected from anyone you think might hurt you
• •you don’t have to give evidence in court unless you choose to
• •brought you to work from another country, though you can be trafficked within the UK
• •promised you a good job or a relationship
• •forced to work very long hours
• •paid very little, or nothing at all
• •forced to have sex with people
• •claiming you owe them money, perhaps for travel or accommodation
• •accompanying you wherever you go
• •You haven’t done anything wrong. It’s important to know that:
• •* you don’t have to give evidence in court unless you choose to
• •While every case of trafficking is different, there are signs you can look out for if something doesn’t feel right about your situation.

Practical guidance

• •Source: [What to do if you've been trafficked](https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/immigration/trafficking/if-youve-been-trafficked/)

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