Explore our policy recommendations for breaking down language barriers
in schools, adult education, and the criminal justice system.
This project aims to develop a new model of care to victims of slavery and trafficking.
Hibiscus Initiatives is a charity with expertise in working with marginalised foreign national women and refugees in prison, the community and in detention. They deliver a range of services to support the rehabilitation of foreign national women across the criminal justice sector. Hibiscus Initiatives provides practical and emotional support, campaigns for the rights of detainees, undertakes and partners on research. They can provide assistance in twenty different languages thanks to the support of 50 volunteers.
Over the last two years Hibiscus Initiatives has seen referrals for victims of slavery and trafficking rise by over 50%. The needs of victims are complex, and many may be suffering from trauma which can make communication and comprehension more challenging. In the months after being recognised as a victim of trafficking/slavery, individuals regularly have to engage with a large number of statutory agencies and language and cultural barriers can have an impact on both sides’ understanding.
Hibiscus Initiatives is looking to develop a new model of care to victims of slavery/trafficking which uses linguistic and cultural knowledge to break down barriers and improve communication in order to assist victims in understanding legal and criminal justice processes and to help victims communicate their experiences accurately.