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Policy

Human trafficking

From
Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice
Directorate
Justice Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Law and order
Policy actions  2 of 3

Human trafficking support

Need help?

If you think you are affected by human trafficking or exploitation:

  • contact the Modern Slavery and Exploitation helpline on 08000 121 700 or fill out the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline online form. The helpline is free, confidential and open 24 hours, every day. A trained adviser will work with you to find out why you are contacting and discuss support options that might be available to you

Other agencies who can help:

  • Police Scotland. They will speak with you about what has happened and offer you protection from those that hurt you. In an emergency you should always phone 999 or for non-emergencies phone 101
  • Migrant Help on 0141 884 7900 open 9:00am  to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, or 0141 212 8553 (out of hours) or by email to traffickingscotland@migranthelpuk.org. Migrant Help give confidential help and advice if you, or someone you know, has been trafficked, and is aged over 18
  • Trafficking Awareness Raising Alliance (TARA) on 0141 276 7724 (24 hours, every day). TARA identifies and supports women (aged 18 and over) who may have been trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation. The service works with other organisations to provide trauma informed practical and emotional support, including support to report to the police what has happened to you (if and when you are ready to do so)
  • Childline on 0800 1111 (24 hours a day, every day) or by 1-2-1 online chat. Childline is a free, private and confidential service for children and young people under the age of 19. You can contact a trained counsellor about anything; no problem is too big or too small
  • Causeway for information and help, including their exploitation risk checker

Want to help?

If you have any concerns regarding alleged human trafficking or exploitation, contact:

To further raise awareness, together with the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Police Scotland and human trafficking support providers, we have developed a resource which details signs of trafficking and available support.

Slavery and human trafficking: guidance for businesses gives more information on responsible practices and fair work. Further information can be found at Scotland Against Modern Slavery Business Advice.

You can also view our guidance for health workers about how to recognise and help victims of human trafficking and exploitation.

If you are concerned about a child or young person

If you have concerns that a child is at risk of trafficking and exploitation, or is being exploited, you should report your concerns to the police or social work without delay. 

If the child is in immediate danger, you should always phone 999. If you think a crime has been committed phone 101.

You can find more information about reporting a child protection concern and receiving support on mygov.scot.

Support for victims of human trafficking and exploitation

We are committed to improving support for victims of human trafficking and exploitation in Scotland.

The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 provides clear rights for child and adult victims who need support and protection.

Our second Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy, published in July 2025, was developed to build on existing work to identify, protect and support victims to safety and long-term recovery. The strategy takes a public health approach to prevent human trafficking and exploitation in Scotland, and to respond effectively when it does occur.

The support period for potential victims is at least 90 days.

Support and assistance may include, but is not limited to:

  • accommodation
  • medical advice and treatment (including psychological assessment and treatment)
  • language translation and interpretation
  • legal advice
  • repatriation

You can find more information about victims' rights, and the support available, on mygov.scot.

Support for child victims of human trafficking and exploitation

Child trafficking and exploitation is a form of child abuse, and an immediate child protection response is required. Children can be trafficked and exploited in various ways – sexually, criminally, and/or for their labour – and this can occur both in person and online.

Support and protection for child victims is provided within the context of Scotland's child protection system.

The National Guidance for Child Protection, updated in 2023, provides guidance on child trafficking and exploitation. It describes the responsibilities and expectations for all involved in protecting children and applies the Getting it right for every child (GIRFEC) approach to improving outcomes for children and young people.

Support providers must also consider the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024.

For more information visit the child protection policy and child protection publications sections of our website.

You can find more information about victims' rights, and the support available, on mygov.scot.

Independent Child Trafficking Guardian (ICTG) service

Unaccompanied asylum-seeking (UAS) children arriving in Scotland may have been a victim of, or may be vulnerable to becoming a victim of, human trafficking. It is often difficult to establish directly if an unaccompanied child presenting in Scotland has been a victim of trafficking.  

The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 directs that an unaccompanied child victim must be assigned an independent child trafficking guardian to assist, support and represent the child.

The statutory ICTG service launched in April 2023 as set out in our Programme for Government 2021 to 2022. This service is known as Guardianship Scotland and is delivered in partnership by Aberlour Children's Charity and the Scottish Refugee Council.

The service provides valuable support for unaccompanied children who have been victims of child trafficking or are considered to be at risk of being trafficked.   

Support during any legal processes

If you're a victim of human trafficking and you're asked to give evidence about what happened to you, you can apply to use special measures such as:

  • the taking of evidence by a commissioner before the trial
  • giving evidence via a live television link
  • using a screen so you do not have to see someone else involved with the case
  • having a supporter with you while you give evidence.

Claiming compensation

If you have been physically or mentally injured because of what happened to you, you may be able to claim compensation from the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). For more information and advice on making a claim you can contact:

Fairer Funding Pilot

Launched in April 2025, the Fairer Funding pilot supports projects across Scotland through targeted grants in areas such as health, education, poverty, and culture. Among the funded organisations are those providing vital support to victims of human trafficking, including:

Prior to this, the Victim Centred Approach Fund (VCAF) provided a three-year funding package for 23 victim support organisations, including six specifically supporting victims of human trafficking.

 
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