
Stopping modern slavery and human trafficking in Europe
Nearly two million people are trapped in slavery in Europe - including the UK.
The number of victims of trafficking in Europe grew by more than 45% [1] from 2016 to 2018. Trafficked for labour or sexual exploitation, they face abuse and violence.
War in Ukraine has put millions more women and children at risk of trafficking. Forced to flee their homes, refugees are scattered across Europe and vulnerable to false offers of work or housing. Together with supporters and partners, we’ve protected thousands of people from trafficking since the start of the war in Ukraine.
How does IJM work to stop modern slavery and human trafficking in Europe?
We’ve been helping protect people from cross-border trafficking in Europe since 2019.
In partnership with authorities and supported by people like you, we:
• Bring people to safety and support them with trauma-informed care
• Bring traffickers to justice
• Strengthen justice systems
• Invest in systemic change so people are not abused in the first place
We have staff working in Romania, the Netherlands, Germany and the UK. With more women and children at risk, we’re working to expand our anti-trafficking work into other countries in Europe.
“With the amazing help and support from International Justice Mission, we have managed to offer practical help and support to survivors, from counselling to social care, housing and even skills courses.”
- Detective Constable Lore Hancock, the London Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command
FAQs
Modern Slavery Helpline
If you suspect you, or someone you know is being exploited, call the UK Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.
*pseudonym
[1] GRETA, Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings, 2019.