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24/03/2009
NI 'Slavery' Victims' Rescue Package Launched
Comprehensive care and support services for victims of human trafficking 'rescued' in Northern Ireland will be available from the beginning of next month.
"Human trafficking is modern day slavery. All the law enforcement agencies in the Organised Crime Task Force are working as one to catch the criminal gangs who are profiting out of human misery and suffering," said the Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force, Paul Goggins.
Announcing the new package of support for victims, many of whom are forced into prostitution, he said is it being funded by the Government with support from the police.
It will be delivered by Women's Aid Federation and The Migrant Helpline.
They will offer access to secure accommodation, healthcare and counselling for victims of human trafficking.
It will also provide assistance with living expenses and full access to legal advice and translation services.
The move is a response to the growing evidence of human trafficking locally after the 'Pentameter 2' operation and allows Northern Ireland to meet its obligations under the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings.
The Northern Ireland Office's Minister, Mr Goggins continued: "Northern Ireland is no longer immune from the vile crime of human trafficking.
"While the problem may not be as widespread as in other parts of the UK, Pentameter 2' and subsequent operations by law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland have shown that people are being trafficked here for both sexual and labour exploitation.
"We are also committed to supporting the victims of human trafficking and the measures that I am introducing will deliver a victim led and comprehensive package of care and support services," he said.
The new services will be fully operational by April 1 and builds on support already available.
The full range of services will continue to ensure that all victims are treated with compassion and dignity and set standards for the support of victims
(BMcC/JM)
"Human trafficking is modern day slavery. All the law enforcement agencies in the Organised Crime Task Force are working as one to catch the criminal gangs who are profiting out of human misery and suffering," said the Chair of the Organised Crime Task Force, Paul Goggins.
Announcing the new package of support for victims, many of whom are forced into prostitution, he said is it being funded by the Government with support from the police.
It will be delivered by Women's Aid Federation and The Migrant Helpline.
They will offer access to secure accommodation, healthcare and counselling for victims of human trafficking.
It will also provide assistance with living expenses and full access to legal advice and translation services.
The move is a response to the growing evidence of human trafficking locally after the 'Pentameter 2' operation and allows Northern Ireland to meet its obligations under the Council of Europe Convention on Action Against Trafficking in Human Beings.
The Northern Ireland Office's Minister, Mr Goggins continued: "Northern Ireland is no longer immune from the vile crime of human trafficking.
"While the problem may not be as widespread as in other parts of the UK, Pentameter 2' and subsequent operations by law enforcement agencies in Northern Ireland have shown that people are being trafficked here for both sexual and labour exploitation.
"We are also committed to supporting the victims of human trafficking and the measures that I am introducing will deliver a victim led and comprehensive package of care and support services," he said.
The new services will be fully operational by April 1 and builds on support already available.
The full range of services will continue to ensure that all victims are treated with compassion and dignity and set standards for the support of victims
(BMcC/JM)
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20 July 2022
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
Martin Heaney Jailed For Five Years
A 59-year-old man has been jailed for five years for a range of offences including human trafficking, controlling prostitution, and voyeurism. At Laganside Crown Court today, Wednesday 20 July, Martin Heaney was sentenced to five years imprisonment. A Sex Trafficking Prevention Order (STPO) was also issued and will be in place for 7 years.
28 June 2022
Couple Convicted In NI's First Forced Labour Case
A married couple have been sentenced for forcing a vulnerable woman into labour in the first ever conviction of its kind in Northern Ireland.
Couple Convicted In NI's First Forced Labour Case
A married couple have been sentenced for forcing a vulnerable woman into labour in the first ever conviction of its kind in Northern Ireland.
28 July 2023
International Policing Operation Targets Organised Crime Gang In NI
The PSNI's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit has carried a major operation, assisted by Romanian authorities, into an Organised Crime Group suspected of trafficking young Romanian women throughout Northern Ireland for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
International Policing Operation Targets Organised Crime Gang In NI
The PSNI's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit has carried a major operation, assisted by Romanian authorities, into an Organised Crime Group suspected of trafficking young Romanian women throughout Northern Ireland for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
22 November 2022
SDLP Calls For More Work To Support Trafficking Victims
Greater efforts are needed to protect and support victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in Northern Ireland, SDLP Policing Board member Mark H Durkan has said. It follows a major operation to target human trafficking this week which saw 27 brothels across the region raided by police.
SDLP Calls For More Work To Support Trafficking Victims
Greater efforts are needed to protect and support victims of modern slavery and human trafficking in Northern Ireland, SDLP Policing Board member Mark H Durkan has said. It follows a major operation to target human trafficking this week which saw 27 brothels across the region raided by police.
04 December 2023
PSNI Supports NCA Action On Slavery And Human Trafficking
The PSNI's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit are supporting the National Crime Agency's Operation Aidant in its efforts to tackle the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking. Op Aidant involves the ongoing and shared efforts of police forces and partner organisations.
PSNI Supports NCA Action On Slavery And Human Trafficking
The PSNI's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit are supporting the National Crime Agency's Operation Aidant in its efforts to tackle the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking. Op Aidant involves the ongoing and shared efforts of police forces and partner organisations.
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