PSNI Supports Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign

The PSNI has confirmed its support for a new campaign to tackle human trafficking in Northern Ireland.

Justice Minister David Ford launched the UK-wide 'Read the Signs' campaign in Northern Ireland this week.

The scheme will seek to highlight the extent to which people are trafficked into Northern Ireland for forced labour.

The Crimestoppers campaign includes a YouTube video, radio advertising, social media and posters and flyers throughout Northern Ireland.

Launching the campaign, David Ford said: "Human trafficking, in all its forms, is a horrendous crime. It is a crime that has received considerable attention in Northern Ireland recently and that is to be welcomed. Attention to date has however tended to focus on human trafficking for sexual exploitation and I would encourage the public to continue to report their suspicions in this regard.

"What this campaign aims to do is to highlight that people are also trafficked into Northern Ireland for forced labour and domestic servitude. Indeed in 2011/12 nine of the 33 potential victims of human trafficking recovered in Northern Ireland had been trafficked for the purpose of forced labour."

PSNI lead-officer on Human Trafficking, Detective Superintendent Philip Marshall, added: "Human Trafficking specifically for labour exploitation is a crime type that impacts on all communities in Northern Ireland and further afield. Public information is key to tackling the criminals involved, but is equally important in securing the rescue of men, women and children who are forced into exploitative work conditions. I would encourage everyone to take the opportunity provided by this Crimestoppers campaign to raise their own awareness and, therefore, have the potential to make a real difference to people's lives."

(IT)