Slavery: Victim Support Schemes

(asked on 19th June 2019) - View Source

Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what proportion of people entering the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) are offered English language learning as part of their package of move-on support; and whether that support is provided by (a) the NRM or (b) charities providing shelter to survivors.


Answered by
Victoria Atkins Portrait
Victoria Atkins
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
This question was answered on 27th June 2019

This Government is committed to tackling the heinous crime of modern slavery and ensuring that victims are provided with the support they need to begin rebuilding their lives.

We recognise that language skills can increase an individual’s resilience to exploitation. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is our system for identifying and providing access to support for suspected victims. This support is provided through a Government-funded support service, the Victim Care Contract (VCC), delivered by The Salvation Army and their 12 subcontractors. The VCC provides a package of support to victims of modern slavery including, but not limited to, accommodation if needed, financial support, interpretation services if needed and access to a support worker.

The Home Office does not hold information on the number of people entering the NRM that have required translation support in the last 12 months.
The VCC does not include the provision of English courses, however potential victims are supported to access language classes by their support worker as appropriate.

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