A rapid, realist informed review of safehouse provision for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking

Rights Lab project lead: Dr Nicola Wright
Funder: Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre
Duration: 1 December 2024 - 31 March 2026
Programme: Health and Wellbeing
Adequate housing is a human right enshrined in international law. The potential for housing to address health inequalities and promote wellbeing has been highlighted for several underserved groups. The Modern Slavery Core Outcome Set (MS COS) identifies that for those who have experienced modern slavery and human trafficking, safe and secure accommodation is one of seven core outcomes to support recovery. However, there is emerging evidence that safehouse accommodation is not always experienced positively by survivors. Further exploration is required to identify for whom and in what circumstances does safehouse accommodation promote recovery (or not) for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking. Focusing on safehouse across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the research will conduct: (1) a review of existing literature; (2) focus groups with survivors; (3) a survey with practitioners; and (4) workshops with survivor groups, practitioners and policy makers to discuss findings and develop recommendations.
This project is conducted in partnership with BASNET.