000 02844nam a22002897a 4500
999 _c8657
_d8657
005 20250625151659.0
008 240506s2023 -nz||| |||| 00| 0 eng d
040 _aAFVC
100 _aCockbain, Ella
_97041
245 _aThe role of helplines in the anti-trafficking space :
_cElla Cockbain and Lisa Tompson
_bexamining contacts to a major ‘modern slavery’ hotline
260 _bCRIMRXIV,
_c2023
500 _aCRMRXIV, 2023, First published online, 11 October 2023
520 _aAlthough increasingly deployed worldwide, human trafficking hotlines are sorely under-researched. Situated within a complex systems framework, we conceptualise such helplines as both a product of and an influence on broader anti-trafficking ecosystems. Taking the UK as a case study, we undertook exploratory analysis of potential ‘modern slavery’ cases (n=3,613) reported to a major independent anti-trafficking helpline. We examined who seeks help, why, and what follows. Contrary to stereotypes, relatively few cases involved sexual exploitation. Many case characteristics varied significantly by exploitation type. Reports about car washes and beauty services heavily influenced overall trends, likely reflecting intense public focus on these sites. Most cases involved adults. Although people self-reporting exploitation are the core target audience, only around 1 in 10 cases derived from self-reports (with higher rates for domestic servitude). We show how third-party reporters vary in their proximity to the people about whom they raise concerns - who themselves may or may not self-identify as victims and/or welcome intervention. Findings around onward action both show a whole-systems response to addressing complex needs and raise difficult tensions around risks of police involvement. Our key contributions include showing what can (and cannot) presently be assessed from such helpline data, proposing a future research agenda, and providing a tangible illustration of what it means to theorise helplines as a part of a complex system of anti-trafficking activity. We highlight how their central goal of victim support can be enabled and constrained by wider policies, funding decisions and other structures. (Authors' abstract). Record #8657
650 _aHELP-SEEKING
_95453
650 _aHELPLINES
_97329
650 0 _97082
_aSLAVERY
650 0 _98862
_aSEX TRAFFICKING
650 4 _aSUPPORT SERVICES
_9591
650 _aVICTIM-SURVIVORS' VOICES
_99763
651 _aINTERNATIONAL
_93624
651 4 _aUNITED KINGDOM
_92604
700 _aTompson, Lisa
_912617
773 0 _tCRMRXIV, 2023, First published online, 11 October 2023
830 _aCRIMRXIV
_912894
856 _uhttps://doi.org/10.21428/cb6ab371.73eb841d
_zDOI: 10.21428/cb6ab371.73eb841d (Open access)
942 _2ddc
_cARTICLE
_hnews127