‘Why Can’t Modern Slavery Victims Just Leave?’ The Hidden Barriers to Freedom

For someone new to the issue of modern slavery, it might be easy to wonder: Why don’t victims just walk away? The truth is, the reality of this horrendous crime means that leaving is far from easy. Traffickers use both psychological and physical control to create a web of fear, manipulation, and dependency to trap victims.

Debi Lloyd, our Head of UK Counter Trafficking Operations, leads Justice & Care’s Victim Navigator programme and has years of experience working with survivors. In this interview, she shares why walking away from an exploitative situation can be extremely difficult – and how by learning the signs of human trafficking, we could all help someone to find freedom.

Help women and girls walk free from modern slavery and raise their voices for change. From 13 October to 30 November, every pound you generously donate to Justice & Care will be doubled through our Her Voice campaign.

Some people may wonder why survivors can’t just leave their traffickers. From your experience, what makes leaving so complicated or difficult?

Leaving isn’t as simple as walking away. Survivors are often trapped in layers of fear, manipulation, and dependency. Traffickers use threats, isolation, and emotional control to make escape feel impossible. Many survivors worry about retaliation or harm to loved ones. Some don’t even realise they’re being exploited because coercion can look like care. Trauma distorts reality, making freedom feel out of reach.

How can the trauma of trafficking affect a survivor’s ability to trust others or feel safe enough to ask for help? 

Trauma changes everything. Survivors often carry deep wounds PTSD, anxiety, depression that make trusting others feel dangerous. When you’ve been betrayed by those who claimed to protect you, asking for help feels terrifying. That’s why our approach is rooted in patience and compassion. We build trust slowly, respecting each survivor’s pace and choices.

What kinds of emotional or psychological effects do you see most often?

Shame. Fear. Guilt. Survivors often blame themselves for what happened, even though they were victims. Many struggle with identity after years of control. Recovery isn’t linear there are good days and hard ones. Healing takes time, and it takes holistic care: mental health support, safe housing, legal guidance, and community.

Can you share some of the ways that traffickers control or manipulate people that aren’t always obvious from the outside?

Control isn’t always chains and locks. It’s emotional manipulation convincing victims they’re loved, needed, or indebted. It’s confiscating documents, threatening deportation, exploiting language barriers, or using addiction and shame. These tactics are invisible to outsiders, which is why awareness matters. We must learn to see the signs and respond with empathy.

Why might a survivor feel scared or unsure about talking to law enforcement, even when help is available?

Imagine fearing the very people meant to protect you. Many survivors have faced corruption or violence in their home countries. Others were criminalised during exploitation. Even here, they worry about being disbelieved or deported. Some fear their trafficker’s retaliation. Trust takes time and that’s where our Victim Navigators come in.

Can you share how your Victim Navigator team supports survivors and helps them feel ready to share their story or seek justice if they choose to?

Our Navigators are the bridge between fear and hope. They meet survivors at the moment of rescue, offering emotional support and practical help supporting with access to the NRM, healthcare and counselling. They explain legal processes in plain language and never pressure survivors to speak out. Instead, they empower informed choices. When survivors decide to share their story, Navigators walk every step with them ensuring safety, dignity, and agency.

What is it like for you to see a survivor who was once afraid to speak out slowly start to find their confidence and sense of empowerment?

It looks like a survivor who once whispered now speaking with confidence. It looks like someone reclaiming their voice after years of silence. Watching that transformation is humbling. It reminds us why we fight – because survivors are not broken. They are resilient. And when given the right support, they thrive.

Men, women and children trapped in modern slavery are often hidden in plain sight. But by spotting unusual behaviour in your everyday life you can help us put a stop to ruthless criminals. Learn how to spot the signs and where to report concerns here.