Volume 14, Issue 9: Modern slavery and human trafficking – could you be the final piece of the puzzle?

Modern slavery and human trafficking – could you be the final piece of the puzzle?

You are a paramedic based in police custody, working as a forensic healthcare practitioner (FHP). A detainee is brought to your attention, she was arrested for shoplifting and resisting arrest. Custody staff noticed physical signs of injury and think she may be a victim of modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) but she does not admit to this – should you refer her through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) even though she does not consent? 

CPD benefit

For the year ending June 2023 the UK Home Office reported 22,796 victims of modern slavery brought to their attention. This article outlines the most common types of exploitation such as labour, forced criminality and sex trafficking. It also gives guidance on how to identify a potential victim of modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) and the potential effects of exploitation on an individual. There is some useful discussion about treatment and how to make a referral to the police without consent to enter the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This will enable you, as a paramedic, to support the victim and potentially help many others working to prevent the exploitation of human rights through slavery and trafficking.