Lord Advocate welcomes Scottish government’s trafficking strategy

A Scottish government strategy to help train professionals to spot the signs of human trafficking and provide new powers to disrupt trafficking activity has been published.

The Scottish government’s Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy also highlights the need to better publicise support for victims and confirms that public awareness activity will take place later this year.

Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said: “Developing the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy has included listening to victims themselves, who have provided a unique insight into the physical and psychological damage caused by trafficking. We have emphasised the need to let people know that there is support available for victims, wherever they are recovered in Scotland.”

Lord Advocate James Wolffe QC added: “We welcome the publication of the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy. Human trafficking is a serious and complex crime that presents unique challenges to investigators and prosecutors. This strategy will work hand in hand with the tools we have at our disposal to tackle this abhorrent trade, which include the offences under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015.

“Scotland is a country that is hostile to this kind of exploitation and Prosecutors, working with Police Scotland and other law enforcement partners, will play their part in ensuring victims of this crime are protected and have the support they need.”