The IASC supports the IMSA Model Development Project

Survivors of modern slavery often encounter significant obstacles in their journey to recovery, including challenges in accessing legal services and systems, community services, welfare, housing, healthcare and employment. These systems can be difficult to navigate, particularly against a backdrop of the trauma that many survivors have endured.

Access to these systems is fundamental to a victim’s successful recovery and achieving sustained financial and social independence, as well as reducing the risk that they are re-trafficked. It can also take some time for the survivor to come to terms with what they have experienced and accept that it was modern slavery. This is why support and independent advocacy are vital.

To formally introduce and recognise Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) who are person-led and trauma-informed would improve the safety, resilience, and empowerment of each survivor.  They can provide individual, tailored support to match victims’ unique needs, prevent victims from having to tell their account to professionals multiple times, and act as a single point of contact in navigating many complex systems. They can also work alongside other professionals working with victims. Individuals with lived experience have spoken to the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner about how much of a difference this makes. 

This is why the Commissioner is supporting the IMSA Model development project. The project is a collaborative effort led by Hope for Justice, British Red Cross, The Snowdrop Project and the Bakhita Centre for Research Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse, together with consultants with lived experience of modern slavery, to develop and roll out a national, accredited model of independent advocacy.

The Commissioner said: “This programme is a great example of a collaborative approach that places survivors’ needs at the heart of it. The IMSAs’ advocacy work for victims and survivors of the most appalling crimes of modern slavery and human trafficking is so important. It is clear to me that listening to each individual and offering tailored and trauma-informed support are essential to their recovery journey; and equipping them with the right information along the way empowers them to overcome challenges and make decisions that are right for them. The IMSAs demonstrate a model that works, and it is essential that more victims and survivors have access to the programme.”

Read more about the IMSA Development Project here