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identified that human trafficking offenders will usually have the same nationality of
origin as the victim, be approximately 30-39 years of age and have experienced a
number of traumas in their childhood. The recruitment stage of human trafficking
both for labour and sexual exploitation begins with a known or unknown trafficker.
Recruitment and control were characterised by coercive techniques that were
threats of violence, being isolated from the community they had been located to,
removal of documentation so if chose to leave the trafficker, they had no way to
prove identity or travel home. The literature evidenced a clear link to the
knowledge base relating to domestic violence and the complex relational nature of
both types of offending.
Conclusions
This synthesis has identified that the research in relation to human trafficking is in
its infancy and that inductive research is required to progress a model of
intervention. Future studies will benefit from more research being completed with
traffickers directly. Within Northern Ireland the political diversity and geographical
landscape may provide important and more specific information that will be
applicable to creating focused assessments and interventions with traffickers. As
this type of offence proceeds to increasing numbers of prosecution within Northern
Ireland Courts; developing the knowledge base of Probation Officers will enhance
informed assessments, Pre-Sentence Reports and offence focused programmes
of work to reduce recidivism.
Name of Reviewer
Emma Richmond
Organisation
Probation Board for Northern Ireland
Contact Details
emma.richmond@probation-ni.gov.uk