Overview

This bill aims to strengthen the UK's response to human trafficking and exploitation by increasing the severity of related offences, enhancing support for victims, and improving prevention and monitoring measures. It focuses on providing better protection and assistance for victims, particularly children, and improving the investigation and prosecution of offenders.

Description

The bill introduces several key changes:

Offences:

• Clarifies and expands the definition of human trafficking offences, including various forms of coercion and exploitation.
• Establishes aggravating factors for sentencing, such as the offender being a public official or the victim being a child or vulnerable adult.
• Amends existing legislation (Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Act 2004) to broaden the scope of trafficking offences.
• Removes reliance on victim reporting for investigation and prosecution, allowing proceedings to continue even if the victim withdraws their statement.
• States that victims forced to commit crimes as a direct result of trafficking will not be prosecuted.
• Mandates training and resources for investigators and prosecutors dealing with human trafficking cases.

Assistance and Support:

• Defines a "victim" and outlines criteria for determining victim status.
• Requires the Secretary of State to ensure victims receive comprehensive assistance and support, including accommodation, material aid, medical treatment, counselling, legal aid, and help with compensation claims. This support continues for three months after criminal proceedings end.
• Guarantees support for children identified as victims, their families, and creates a plan to safeguard their long-term welfare.
• Requires a legal advocate to represent the best interests of each child who may be a victim of trafficking, if there is a conflict of interest.
• Sets out procedures for victims to apply for compensation.

Special Measures for Witnesses:

• Amends the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 to include human trafficking as grounds for witness assistance and protection.

Prevention and Monitoring:

• Requires the annual publication of a strategy to raise awareness and reduce human trafficking.
• Establishes an independent national body to monitor the bill's effectiveness and report to Parliament.

Government Spending

The bill will likely increase government spending on training for law enforcement and support services for victims. Specific figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Victims of human trafficking: Will benefit from increased support and protection.
• Law enforcement agencies: Will require additional training and resources.
• Prosecutors: Will have a broader legal framework and resources to prosecute offenders.
• Children: Will receive enhanced protection and dedicated legal representation.
• Organisations providing support services: May receive increased funding and responsibilities.
• Offenders: Face stricter penalties and increased likelihood of prosecution.

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