Freedom through a survivors eyes 

Justice & Care joins forces with survivors, law enforcement, frontline professionals, governments, businesses and others to achieve deep impact and lasting change to fight modern slavery and human trafficking. Each play an important part in our story.

Looking through the lens: Behind the promise of love

Through the women’s eyes, these looked like genuine relationships.

In reality, they were a trap.

In October 2025, one of the UK’s most significant modern slavery prosecutions resulted in five people being convicted of trafficking women for sexual exploitation in Scotland.

The offenders groomed dozens of women, including UK nationals, by leading them to believe they were in genuine romantic relationships. They then introduced them to crack cocaine at parties, creating dependency as a means of control. 

Throughout the investigation and trial, our Victim Navigators stood alongside eight survivors, helping them understand what had happened to them, know their rights and find the strength to face their exploiters in court. 

Despite the trauma they had endured and the pressure of cross-examination, the women bravely gave evidence. Their courage helped secure convictions and combined prison sentences totalling 74 years.

Behind this story is Cara*, who was supported by our Victim Navigators.

‘Looking back now, I can see there was no love, no family. It was manipulation, control and exploitation. But at the time, I couldn’t see any of it. It’s like when you’re in that frame of mind, you’re completely oblivious to what’s really going on.

My family never gave up on me, and Justice & Care never gave up on me either. They picked up the pieces when I felt like I couldn’t carry on.’

Cara now works with Justice & Care as a lived experience expert.

‘I am so grateful that I have been given this opportunity to be a voice for survivors, to help
improve services and to hopefully make a difference to other people on their journey.

The girl I was in 2022 would never believe the woman I’ve become in 2026. I have rebuilt my life.’

Right now, more people like Cara are waiting for the support they need to recover and rebuild. Her story shows what is possible when survivors are believed, supported and empowered to reclaim their future.

*Name changed to protect identity