Flourish NI, a local charity based in Belfast which supports survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking, announced the increase at their Hope Beyond Trafficking Conference.
The charity stated that in the first 10 months of 2024 they experienced a 128% rise in referrals in comparison to the same period of the previous year.*
Hosted during Anti-Slavery Week (14 – 20 October), the Hope Beyond Trafficking Conference, held at Belfast Harbour Commissioners also marked Flourish’s 10th anniversary of supporting survivors of human trafficking in Northern Ireland.
During the conference, a person with lived experience of human trafficking bravely made the decision to share their story of sexual exploitation.
Aimed at educating attendees by raising awareness of modern slavery, other speakers at the conference included Flourish’s CEO Jill Robinson, Andrew Wallis OBE, CEO of Unseen, the Head of Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Child Exploitation Branch at the Department of Justice and PSNI detectives from the Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Team.
Another new initiative being pursued by the charity is a safehouse for those who have experienced human trafficking. Being able to access longer term safe housing accommodation is often a top concern for survivors and crucial to their recovery. The charity aims to open this vital facility by 2028. Operated by trained staff, the safehouse will provide a safe haven to those fleeing exploitation where they will be supported by the charity with practical and emotional support in a safe and supportive environment to recover from their experiences and rebuild their lives.
Flourish NI has also welcomed the recent release of the Child Criminal Exploitation Action Plan, a joint initiative launched a few weeks ago by the Departments of Justice, Health and Education to improve the response of government to the criminal exploitation of young people.
Jill Robinson, Flourish CEO, stated: “For more than a decade now Flourish has been working with survivors to develop their independence, facilitate their re-integration into the community and help survivors to see a brighter future for themselves.
“The steep increase in referrals which we have seen this year only underlines how vital this work is to the increasing number of people in our communities who have experienced some form of human trafficking.”
“We hope that our conference raises awareness of this important issue and demonstrates the innovations Flourish is working towards as we continue to grow.”
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “Human trafficking is happening around us and often goes unnoticed or is ignored or is hidden in plain sight. This issue requires a societal wide effort if we are to successfully tackle this heinous crime. We owe it to the victims to put an end to this brutal exploitation and trade in human beings.
The partnership and collaboration between The Department of Justice and Flourish NI plays an important role in helping victims overcome trauma and rebuild lives.
I am pleased to mark the Flourish NI Conference – ‘Hope beyond Trafficking’ which is being held during Anti-Slavery week, a UK and European awareness week, which this year runs from 14‑20 October. Anti‑Slavery Day (a day to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking) takes place every year on the 18 October.
I want to thank Flourish NI for the vital role they play in supporting victims and raising awareness of this heinous crime.”
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