Mainstream Overlooks Differences
Victims of trafficking and grooming are often overlooked by mainstream services, particularly when they are from Black and minoritised ethnic (BME) backgrounds. Too often, there’s an assumption that a ‘one size fits all’ approach will work for all victims. But BME women and girls often face cultural barriers, fear of community backlash, and a lack of trust in authorities — all of which can silence their voices and keep them invisible within the system.
The Disclosure Dilemma
Even when these women and girls find the courage to speak out, the system frequently fails to recognise their experiences. Disclosures are often dismissed or misunderstood due to systemic discrimination and lack of cultural competence within mainstream services. Their trauma is real, but their voices are often unheard of. We’ve worked with victims who were sexually exploited, trafficked, and groomed — yet when they sought help, their backgrounds became a barrier rather than a bridge to support.
The Data Gap Crisis
Data is power — and the absence of data on BME victims of trafficking and grooming only adds to their invisibility. Without disaggregated data, the scale of this crisis remains hidden. This lack of visibility means services are not tailored to meet their needs, and policies fail to address their specific experiences. As a result, intersectional exploitation goes unchallenged, and BME victims remain in the shadows.
Why BME Specialist Services Matter
At The Halo Project, we’ve seen first-hand how culturally competent, trauma-informed, and community-based responses transform lives. Specialist services like ours understand the nuances of honour-based abuse, forced marriage, trafficking in BME communities, and grooming, and offer safe spaces for disclosure and healing. Survivors tell us they finally feel seen, heard, and believed.
A Call to Commissioners and Policymakers
This is a call to action. We urge commissioners and policymakers to prioritise specialist services for ethnic minority victims and invest in culturally competent interventions. We also call for disaggregated data to be collected and published through the National Referral Mechanism, and for the voices of BME survivors to be at the heart of shaping policies and services. It’s time to recognise and respond to the lived realities of all victims — not just those who fit the mould.
The Halo Project provides confidential, specialist support for BME women and girls affected by trafficking, grooming, and honour-based abuse. If you or someone you know is in need, contact us today. Together, we can break the silence and bring invisible victims into the light.
