In 2026, modern slavery and human trafficking continue to affect people across the UK, often hidden in plain sight. 

At Basis Yorkshire, we work alongside women who have experienced sexual exploitation, making it vital that we understand the links between exploitation, trafficking, and modern slavery. We also understand that conflating exploitation and sex work is dangerous.  This is why, as a sex work specialist organisation, we are pleased to have been selected to be part of the Independent Modern Slavery Advocate (IMSA) pilot, enabling us to provide specialist support to survivors while maintaining the clear distinction between sex work and trafficking.  

What is an IMSA? 

An Independent Modern Slavery Advocate (IMSA) supports survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking to access the services, systems, and protections they need to rebuild their lives. The goal is to help people achieve sustainable recovery, improve access to justice, and reduce the risk of further exploitation. 

The IMSA model was developed through a national project led by organisations and experts across the UK, with the ambition that every adult survivor of modern slavery can access accredited, independent advocacy wherever they live. 

At the heart of the model are values that reflect what survivors need most: independence, empowerment, trauma-informed practice, cultural humility, confidentiality, safeguarding, and person-led support. 

Our IMSA worker, Sunny, is part of the third cohort of professionals selected to undertake specialist accreditation through the national IMSA programme. 

The role goes far beyond traditional support work. Every survivor’s situation is unique, and support is tailored to the individual’s needs, goals, and circumstances. 

A typical day could involve accompanying someone to a healthcare appointment, advocating for safe accommodation, supporting an asylum application, helping someone access welfare support, liaising with legal representatives, or attending meetings with police and other agencies. Survivors may also need assistance finding interpreters, navigating complex systems, or understanding their rights. 

The work is holistic. As an advocate, Sunny ensures that survivors are heard, believed, and able to make informed choices about their lives. 

The Reality of Modern Slavery 

Modern slavery can take many forms. Although many often only think of sexual exploitation, it can be labour exploitation in places such as hand car washes and nail salons, as well as criminal exploitation, domestic servitude.  

Many survivors do not identify themselves as victims. Some have been manipulated into believing their situation is normal. Others may feel they have no alternative, particularly if they have travelled from another country seeking safety, work, or opportunities for themselves and their families. 

Traffickers often use coercion, debt, threats, control, and abuse to maintain power. Exploitation is not a choice; it is a calculated form of abuse. 

Why Advocacy Matters 

One of the biggest challenges faced by survivors is being believed. 

Too often, people affected by modern slavery encounter victim-blaming attitudes. They may be questioned about why they did not leave sooner, or why they remained in exploitative situations. These responses fail to acknowledge the complex realities of trafficking, coercion, and abuse. 

Advocacy is therefore one of the most important parts of the IMSA role. 

An advocate stands alongside survivors, helping them understand their options, ensuring their voices are heard, and supporting them to make decisions that are right for them. Rather than telling people what they should do, advocacy focuses on listening, empowering, and respecting individual choice. 

As Sunny describes it: 

“From a broken system, we’re here to pick up the pieces and be there for them.” 

Through the IMSA pilot, Basis Yorkshire is helping to shape a future where survivors of modern slavery receive consistent, high-quality support across the UK. The project emphasises partnership, collaboration, and ensuring that the experiences and outcomes of survivors remain at the centre of every decision. 

This Anti-Slavery Day, we want to encourage people to recognise that modern slavery is not a problem of the past. It is happening today, in cities, towns, and communities across the UK. We also want to emphasise the importance of not conflating trafficking with sex work.  

By believing survivors, challenging victim-blaming attitudes and understanding what slavery is and what isn’t, while creating pathways to support, we can play a role in helping people move from exploitation towards safety, recovery, and justice. 

Thank you to our funder West Yorkshire Combined Authority and the consortium of organisations that have IMSAs around the UK for their support.  

If you would like to learn more about modern slavery or are concerned about someone who may be experiencing exploitation, please reach out to Basis Yorkshire for advice and guidance here.