Survivors of trafficking and modern slavery supported by Medaille Trust have been meeting with Bishop Paul McAleenan, the lead bishop for migrants and refugees.
Bishop Paul met with survivors and heard firsthand of the difficulties facing them in the UK to be recognised and supported to rebuild their lives. There are more than 120,000 estimated victims living in the UK today. Last year a record 19,125 potential victims were identified and referred into the official National Referral Mechanism.
For many survivors identification is only the start of a long process, with major challenges including finding access to safe and secure employment, safe housing, access to high quality healthcare to address their trauma, and integration and welcome into society.
Medaille Trust, one of the leading Catholic charities in the fight against modern slavery, supports more than 500 survivors a year across a network of safehouses and community projects. Inspired by Catholic Social Teaching, Medaille works to restore dignity, empowerment, and the first steps toward a new life.
Justice and human dignity have been central to the themes in this Jubilee year. Catholics are encouraged to engage in their local communities to provide support and welcome for those who have been exploited.
Reflecting on the visit Bishop Paul said:
'I am grateful to the Medaille Trust for the invitation to meet with survivors of human trafficking. Witnessing the care and compassion shown in providing not only safety and practical support, but also a sense of community, was deeply heartening.'
'It was evident that the resilience of survivors is a powerful reminder that hope cannot be silenced.'
Bishop Paul added: 'I was pleased to hear that the Home Office has recently made some encouraging improvements in the way it processes applications. This is a welcome change. Yet it also reminds us that the evils of human trafficking and modern slavery, sadly, remain present today in many forms. We must stay vigilant, continue to broaden our knowledge to ensure that efforts to combat the issue do not cease.'
Photo: Medaille Trust
