Justice & Care welcomes the whole life order of Simon Levy, following his conviction for serious offences against vulnerable women.  

A Justice & Care Victim Navigator supported one of the victims throughout this difficult process. Despite the distress caused by the case, she showed extraordinary bravery in pursuing justice, with the memory of Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo, Sheryl Wilkins and other victims at the forefront of her mind. Judge Mark Lucraft KC commended her courage during sentencing. 

The survivor supported by Justice & Care had previously been a victim of human trafficking -having been exploited for many years from her teenage years. Her previous case resulted in two exploiters receiving nine-year criminal sentences for human trafficking.   

Her experience highlights a critical and often overlooked issue which is the risk of re-exploitation faced by people who have experienced trafficking. The trauma of exploitation can have a profound and lasting impact, and without clear, meaningful and long-term support, survivors can remain vulnerable to further harm as they try to cope with the pain of their past experiences.   

A criminal trial can be an incredibly traumatic journey for a survivor. Justice & Care’s Victim Navigators provide independent, specialist and trauma-informed support throughout this process, taking the time to build trust and create a safe, supportive relationship.  

For the survivor we supported, this meant helping her move into accommodation and ensuring she had essentials including clothes, food and hygiene products. Recognising the importance of music to her wellbeing, our Victim Navigators also provided her with a piano. As a classically trained pianist, being able to return to something she loved was an important part of supporting her mental health and helping her reconnect with a sense of herself beyond her experiences of exploitation.  

This practical and emotional support is provided alongside helping survivors access vital services, understand their options and make informed decisions about engaging with investigations and the pursuit of justice.  

Debi Lloyd, Head of Counter Trafficking Operations Justice & Care, said: “In this case, our Navigator has seen first-hand the survivor’s resilience and her courage to engage with support services and ultimately begin to rebuild her life.”   

“While the outcome of this case marks an important step towards justice, the impact on the survivor does not end with sentencing. Our Navigator will continue to support her as she works towards rediscovering a life beyond what has happened to her.”  

Levy targeted exceptionally vulnerable women and cases like this demonstrate continued work is needed to ensure greater safety and support for people who have experienced exploitation, while increasing the risks for those who seek to harm them.   

Justice & Care will continue to support victims and survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking and use what we learn from cases like this to advocate for wider, systemic change. This will help to ensure survivors can access the long-term support they need and that perpetrators are held to account.