Every day, Victim Navigators (VN) work quietly behind the scenes, helping vulnerable individuals escape exploitation and rebuild their lives. One recent case shines a powerful light on just how vital their role can be. 

For nearly a year, Ian* was trapped in a cycle of abuse and coercion at the hands of a well-established criminal group. He was assaulted, forced to distribute drugs, and lived under constant threat. The situation reached a devastating low when the group began harming his dog, an act of cruelty that pushed Ian to breaking point.  

When police relocated him to emergency accommodation, Ian found himself alone, without money, food, or access to his belongings. He was traumatised and understandably unwilling to speak out. Officers submitted a referral through the National Referral Mechanism and contacted a Victim Navigator (VN) for support. 

The VN responded swiftly, providing emergency food and clothing, and just as importantly, taking the time to explain the criminal justice process in clear, compassionate terms. That moment of human connection proved to be a lifeline. Ian later shared that, without it, he would have been forced to beg simply to survive. 

With consistent reassurance, Ian began to trust again. He chose to provide a statement, triggering a multi-agency response that brought in additional support, including food vouchers and welfare services. 

During the process, the VN uncovered a serious risk: police had initially planned to arrest both Ian and the suspect. Recognising the injustice, the VN intervened, strongly advocating on Ian’s behalf. Thanks to their persistence, the decision was reversed, and Ian avoided wrongful arrest.  

Initially, the investigation focused solely on drug offences. But the VN saw the bigger picture and pushed for modern slavery charges to be considered. An Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interview was arranged while the suspect was in custody. With the VN present, Ian gave a full and compelling account. 

As a direct result of the VN’s intervention, several serious charges were secured against the suspect, reflecting the full scope of the exploitation uncovered. 

This case is a powerful reminder of the daily work carried out by Victim Navigators, and the life-changing impact they can have. Without this intervention, Ian may have been wrongly arrested and charged. Instead, he found safety, support, and justice.

“A huge thank you to all VN colleagues and their teams for their continued dedication, particularly with ongoing complex cases.” — Officer in Charge 

This case shows the quiet, vital work of Victim Navigators: standing up for justice, protecting the vulnerable, and restoring hope. Ian’s story is one of many, and behind every case is a person whose life can be transformed.

With your support, we can continue to grow and develop this work, making sure Victim Navigators are there for those who need them most.

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