Victims of modern slavery in England and Wales currently have no legal right to support.

 

The Government provides victims with a limited period of care on a non-statutory basis while the authorities decide if the person is a victim, but then the support ends. 

 

Lord McColl of Dulwich has brought forward a Bill in the House of Lords to put this right.  His Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill will give victims in England and Wales a guaranteed right to support during the initial period when the decision about the status is being made, and for a further minimum of 12 months afterwards.