SafeSpace
SafeSpace (formerly RePlace) supports women who have been trafficked into the UK for exploitation
Who we help
The Home Office has estimated in its Modern Slavery Strategy that there may be as many as 13,000 people held in slavery in the UK. The vast majority of all human trafficking victims – some 71%– are women and girls. We provide in-depth support to survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. We help single women over the age of 18 who have been trafficked to the UK from outside the EU. All women must have been referred to the National Referral Mechanism.
Exploitation in the UK takes a variety of forms, but most commonly forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced criminal activity. When someone escapes from slavery, they need somewhere safe to say, medical treatment, mental health support, legal advice, education and support to rebuild their life. While dealing with their recent trauma they struggle to make ends meet and some risk becoming homeless.
These women, who have often experienced unspeakable brutality at the hands of their abusers, are largely hidden in society, isolated and extremely vulnerable. Many do not speak English or have an understanding of British systems or services, which combined with the effects of trauma and the threat of reprisals from traffickers, create many barriers to obtaining help. Those who do escape, often face additional difficulties in terms of insecure immigration status and no recourse to public funds. This leaves many extremely vulnerable to being re-trafficked by their abusers and forced back into a life of exploitation and deprivation.
How we help
Our Support Workers provide practical and emotional support to survivors of trafficking. We empower women to overcome trauma, rebuild their lives and regain their independence. We are there for survivors, developing a tailored support plan to meet the need of each individual. This includes:
- Financial assistance - Including food vouchers and help applying for benefits and grants
- Practical assistance - Support accessing education, training, voluntary work, employment and liaising with LAs on housing options
- Health and emotional support - Supporting mental and physical health, referring to counselling, reducing isolation and improving confidence
- Legal issues - Working alongside solicitors to support them through the immigration process
- Signposting to specialist agencies to ensure all needs are met
Over a year
- 20 women supported
- 14 women supported into education, training or employment
Mira's* story
In the above film, Mira*, a Safe Space client, tells her story of escaping from trafficking in this powerful video made by Comic Relief. You can also listen to a podcast interview with the musician Scroobius Pip and Mira. Listen to the Podcast here.
Contact us
For more information or to refer for Safe Space please call us on 020 7501 6120 or email specialprojectsreferrals@h4w.co.uk
*Name has been changed
