Adult victims of human trafficking and exploitation: guidance on support - consultation

1. Introduction

1.1 Purpose of the Guidance

Scotland’s Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy 2025 sets out the vision for a Scotland free of the dehumanising exploitation that underlies trafficking. The Strategy takes a public health approach to preventing trafficking and exploitation together with our partners as we jointly deliver anti-trafficking interventions.

The purpose of the Guidance, referred to as Support for Adult Victims of Trafficking in Scotland (SAVTS) Guidance, is to specifically set out the support structure available to adult victims of trafficking and exploitation in Scotland. In the context of SAVTS, adults are individuals aged 18 or over.

1.2 Who the Guidance is for

The Guidance is primarily intended for those organisations who are delivering SAVTS under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015 to individuals located in Scotland who are or may be potential victims of trafficking and exploitation for the purposes of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM – see section 3.1).

It is also intended for Local Authorities in Scotland who deliver a range of functions and who must have regard to the Guidance as they provide support to victims of trafficking.

The Guidance provides important information to victims and survivors who will want to know their rights and the supports available in Scotland.

Organisations who work directly with survivors and those in the broader anti-trafficking sphere will use the Guidance to inform and assist victims as they access support.

1.3 Development of the Guidance

The Guidance will be developed by the Scottish Government in consultation with partners, stakeholders and people with lived experience. The principles outlined in the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy 2025 informed the development of the Guidance. The Scottish Government maintains ownership of the content of the Guidance.

1.4 Guidance updates

Following publication, any updates to the Guidance will be considered by the Scottish Government as and when necessary.