NHS in human traffic fight

Reporter

Friday 14 September 2012

FRONTLINE medical staff are being trained in how to spot victims of human trafficking in an attempt to protect modern-day slaves in Scotland.

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VICTORIA WELDON

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is issuing its workers with guidance on how to recognise the signs of the trade in human life, such as forced prostitution and domestic servitude, and support its victims.

Healthcare employees can be the only professionals in contact with trafficking victims, with the board claiming GPs and hospital staff are in a unique position to help tackle the crimes.It is estimated there are around 700 victims of trafficking for sexual exploitation in Scotland at any one time.Dr Sharon Doherty, NHSGGC consultant clinical psychologist, said: "Trafficked men and women can be trapped in sexual slavery and forced labour or domestic servitude here in Glasgow, in some cases held captive for many years in a locked single room. "Anything health staff can do to identify victims of trafficking and make it difficult for traffickers to use the UK as a destination is vital."She added: "Trafficking does exist in Glasgow and traffickers have been able to use the fact that health professionals and other agencies may not be fully aware of the issue. In some cases people are being held captive for many years in a locked room or house. Others may have some freedom but are still under the control of traffickers. It is akin to slavery. "By increasing awareness amongst health staff about this issue, I think it will make it increasingly difficult for traffickers to use the UK as a destination."Despite the focus on human trafficking, there has been just one case successfully prosecuted.Stephen Craig, 34, of Clydebank, and Sarah Beukan, 22, of Leith, Edinburgh, pled guilty in September last year to a contravention of Section 22 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003, and were jailed in October by Glasgow Sheriff Court, Craig for 40 months and Beukan for 18 months.Ministers are now considering introducing a change in the law to make human trafficking a criminal aggravation to other charges to make it easier to prosecute perpetrators.Catriona Renfrew, director of corporate planning and policy at the health board, said: "Human trafficking is a very real problem in the west of Scotland, with gangs or individuals tricking men and women to enter this country with false promises of work, only to end up as modern- day slaves, or coercing them into prostitution. Trafficking exists in Scotland and contact with a health worker may be the one chance for a trafficked person to get help and protection."This is a cruel trade in human lives and staff can play an important role by picking up on injuries or behaviour and help people contact the police or other appropriate authorities and services."The new guidance is designed to offer support and practical help to health professionals who have concerns about how a patient has been brought into the country or believe they are being used by gangs or individuals.It encourages staff to look for signs of trafficking, including assault or scars, signs of rape or sexual abuse, post-traumatic stress or psychological disorders, and report potential victims to the relative agencies, including the police.Patients may also be from a migrant community or accompanied by a "minder", who speaks on their behalf. They are also likely to appear nervous and unwilling to volunteer information.

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NHS in human traffic fight

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