A public survey has been launched on Scotland's Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy.
The survey is open to anyone in Scotland and seeks responses as part of the Scottish Government’s review of the strategy.
Section one contains general questions about the approach to tackling trafficking and exploitation which are intended for all respondents. Section two contains more detailed questions which are likely to be of more interest to people working in areas related to trafficking or who have a strong interest in the strategy.
All questions are optional. The survey is at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/5DKLFPG.
NHS Health Scotland has been working with the Scottish Government to refresh guidance for NHS Scotland staff on human trafficking. The guidance aims to help frontline health professionals spot the signs and take action if they have concerns. The guidance is on the Scottish Government website at https://www.gov.scot/publications/human-trafficking-exploitation-health-workers-need-know/.
Health practitioners have a unique opportunity to engage with people who may otherwise attempt to avoid services. Traffickers will go to great lengths to keep those they exploit away from professionals and services but an emergency visit to A&E or to a sexual health clinic may offer opportunities to intervene and help a victim.
COSLA has also launched guidance on human trafficking and exploitation for all local authorities in Scotland, which is intended to develop good practice to identify, refer and support victims and disrupt and deter criminal activities. It was developed with the Scottish Government, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and other partners.
The guidance is on the Migration Scotland website at http://www.migrationscotland.org.uk/resources/human-trafficking-exploitation-guidance.
The latest Scottish Government human trafficking and exploitation newsletter is at https://www.gov.scot/publications/human-trafficking-exploitation-newsletters/.