Within the UK it is estimated that there could be as many as 136,000 victims of modern slavery and human trafficking (Global Slavery Index, 2018).
Current research focuses on the individual needs of adult or child trafficking victims, however, there is a lack of research and understanding of the needs of parents who have been victims of human trafficking and modern slavery.
As survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery are diverse in their background and circumstances, it was decided to focus on one ethnicity. After British nationals, in late 2020, the second most trafficked nationality were Albanian nationals (Home Office, 2021).
Previous research shows that Albanian survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking report they have faced unique challenges in healthcare and accessing support for their children. For example, women have struggled to access GP services and report a lack of understanding around their legal entitlements to care (Dando et al, 2018).
This study aims to investigate the needs and experiences of Albanian mothers who have been victims of modern slavery and human trafficking living in the UK. This study will interview Albanian women who have survived human trafficking and modern slavery to investigate how these women view their experiences of parenting and what areas of support they need.