Help and support for victims of human trafficking and slavery

There is help and support for victims of human trafficking or slavery. You can report these crimes to the police and get information about your rights in other languages.

People who are trafficked or enslaved

You might be a victim of trafficking or slavery if: 

  • you're brought to Northern Ireland by force or pretence, or moved around Northern Ireland, and forced to work
  • you're forced to have sex
  • you're prevented from contacting your family and friends
  • your boss keeps your money
  • you're prevented from moving around when you want
  • your passport or documents been taken from you
  • there are threats to harm you or your family
  • someone forces you to donate an organ

If you have been trafficked, you should contact:

Know your rights

You are entitled to have your human rights respected. You can download the 'Human trafficking - Know your rights' leaflet in:

  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Chinese (Cantonese)
  • Spanish
  • French 
  • Romanian 
  • Czech
  • Polish 
  • Urdu

Help is available

If you are a trafficking or slavery victim, you could get help and support through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM. This process identifies victims of human trafficking or slavery and ensures they receive the right protection and support.

You will only be referred to the NRM if you give your consent.  Contact the police if you want to be referred.

If you enter the NRM, they can help you with:

  • accommodation
  • living expenses
  • access to health and social care
  • legal and immigration advice

If you don't want to use the National Referral Mechanism, you might get help from others organisations. If you are under 18 years old, a Health and Social Care Trust will give support.

Getting Health and Social care

Health care, social care, counselling and other medical services can be provided if you are assessed to be in need of them.  

If you have been trafficked for sex, you can receive care and support from the Sexual Assault Referral Centre. All recovered victims will be offered screening.

Health and Social Care services may be available to you even if you have not entered the NRM, or if you have been confirmed by the NRM not to be a victim of human trafficking.

Compensation for victims of human trafficking

You might be eligible for compensation. To read information in English and other languages, go to:

Advice and support organisations 

If you have been trafficked or enslaved, you can contact other organisations for help, advice and support.

If you need help with accommodation or housing, contact the Housing Executive. You can also contact the Simon Community:

  • telephone 0800 012 1700

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