Support for human trafficking victims to be doubled

Support for victims of human trafficking in Scotland will be doubled to at least 90 days, Justice Secretary Michael Matheson has announced.

Mr Matheson told the Holyrood Parliament yesterday that the additional help was a key part of the new Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy launched in May, and was brought forward following consultation with justice agencies and victims' groups.

The Cabinet Secretary said that 150 victims of trafficking were supported in Scotland last year, each person suffering abuse and exploitation over weeks, months or even years. He commented: "We are working hard to make Scotland an increasingly hostile place for those who traffic other human beings, while also improving the support we provide to victims."

He added that the extended period of support was twice as long as in the rest of the UK, and three times the Council of Europe minimum period.

"This is one of a number of measures we are taking, including running an awareness-raising campaign later this year and giving new help to the police, prosecutors and courts to better target perpetrators of human trafficking", he continued. 

Funding of almost £800,000 will be provided this year through support groups Migrant Help UK and TARA (Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance), who both believe the new strategy will help support victims.