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  2. Crime, justice and the law
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  4. Help and support for victims

Help for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking

There is help and support for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. You can report these crimes to the police or to community-based organisations, who will be able to give you information on what support is available.

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 coerced or 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 are or have been a victim of modern slavery or human trafficking, you should contact:

  • police
  • Migrant Help
  • Women's Aid

Know your rights

You are entitled to have your human rights respected. You can find out more about your rights in the modern slavery and human trafficking information leaflet which comes in the following languages. 

  • English
  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Bulgarian
  • Romanian
  • Somali
  • Ukranian
  • Vietnamese

Help is available

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

You will only be referred to the NRM if you give your consent.  You should contact the police or Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid if you want to be referred.

Children do not need to give consent and should be immediately referred to the local Health Trust. If you are under 18 years old, a Health and Social Care Trust will be able to support you.

  • Health and Social Care Trusts

Once you enter the NRM, you can get help with:

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

If you prefer not to use the National Referral Mechanism, you might be able to get help from other organisations.

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 modern slavery or human trafficking.

Compensation for victims of trafficking and slavery

Some victims will be eligible to receive financial compensation. To read information in English and other languages, go to:

  • How to apply for compensation as a victim of human trafficking

Advice and support organisations 

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

  • Modern Slavery Helpline
  • Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority
  • Migrant Help
  • Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland
  • Victim Support NI
  • The Rowan - Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

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

  • telephone 0800 012 1700

More useful links

  • Domestic and sexual violence
  • Human trafficking
  • Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act NI
  • Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act
  • Home Office National Referral Mechanism
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Help and support for victims

  • Checking for a person's history of abuse
  • Domestic and sexual violence
  • Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs)
  • Help for people leaving prostitution
  • Help for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking
  • Help for vulnerable people giving evidence
  • Historical institutional abuse
  • Legal aid for victims of domestic abuse
  • Sexual violence and abuse
  • Sexual violence: directory of services
  • Still Abuse
  • Support services for victims
  • The Office of the Commissioner for Victims of Crime
  • The Rowan - Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
  • Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme
  • Violent offences prevention orders

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