Report: Human Trafficking Seminar

The event was attended by a broad range of lead members and officers from the boroughs, including experts in child protection, domestic violence and partnership working. Speakers included experts from the Metropolitan Police Service's Human Trafficking and Paladin teams who gave a fascinating insight into the work they are undertaking across London to disrupt the organised criminal trade in adults and children for sexual, domestic and criminal exploitation.

The Borders and Immigration Agency gave a presentation on their work to implement the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and how they are helping to identify and protect victims of human trafficking. The Poppy Project also attended to give delegates an understanding of the devastating effects of this appalling crime on victims.

Delegates then had an opportunity to discuss the work they are currently undertaking in their boroughs around preventative work and identifying and assisting victims.

Discussions highlighted some excellent and innovative work being undertaken in some areas. This included preventative work in secondary schools, such as programmes to educate young people on issues such as domestic violence and consent to help them understand what abuse is. Multi agency projects and community engagement work was also highlighted as some of the solutions boroughs are progressing.