Crime victims face arrest

by NADEEM BADSHAH

ABUSE SURVIVORS ‘REPORTED OVER IMMIGRATION STATUS’

MIGRANT victims of trafficking, do­mestic violence and slavery are be­ing detained in immigration removal centres after contacting police for help, according to lawyers.

Twenty-seven UK police forces have admitted to reporting victims of crime to the Home Office over their immigration status. Only three forces, including Police Scotland, said they did not not usually report people who have contacted them to report a crime to the government.

Activists say the practice is being exploited by trafficking gangs and abu­sive partners, who “taunt” victims from countries including India and Paki­stan by claiming that they will be ar­rested and deported if they seek help.

Labour MP Rushanara Ali told Eastern Eye: “If these reports are true, it is deeply concerning that victims of trafficking from south Asia are being deported after informing the police of their plight.

“A more joined-up approach is needed to protect victims and ensure the threat of deportation doesn’t lead to people refraining from getting the vital help and protection they need.”

Many of the women who are de­tained for being illegal immigrants are taken to Yarl’s Wood Immigration Re­moval Centre in Bedford, which is one among 10 such centres in the UK.

Zofia Duszynska, immigration di­rector for Duncan Lewis Solicitors, revealed that her firm is helping sev­eral victims of trafficking and modern slavery, some of whom were subject­ed to rape and sexual violence.

She told Eastern Eye: “They were encountered by police, but rather than being treated as victims of crime, were arrested and detained in immi­gration removal centres.

“We are also assisting several vic­tims of trafficking for cannabis culti­vation who have been arrested and detained, convicted of cannabis culti­vation and subject to deportation.

“In many cases, prosecution of the victims of trafficking has been pur­sued, rather than the investigation and prosecution of those at the top who rented the properties and bene­fited from the exploitation.

“Our clients are fearful of approaching the police for help as they have been told by their traffickers they will face prosecution and deportation – as well as punishment by the traffickers. Sadly, we see many cases where this has occurred.”

Guidance issued by the National Police Chiefs’ Council says officers should treat vulnerable people who report a crime to them “as victims first and foremost”. The person will only be arrested if there is evidence that they pose a risk to an individual or group.

Amjad Malik, a solicitor in Roch­dale, Greater Manchester, said he has come across many victims of domestic violence, forced marriages, trafficking, and those exploited in the sex trade.

He said: “They are cautious, in con­stant fear and worried about their status, their future and the activity they have been involved in at the in­sistence of their gang masters.

“They need assistance rather than adding further fear in their minds. They must be dealt with through legal and medical assistance and in part­nership with refugee, police and im­migration officers who are experts in dealing with victims with psychologi­cal trauma.

“If the victim’s trust is gained, many future victims can be saved from en­tering UK unlawfully. Perpetrators of human trafficking, which act as a ma­fia, can be prosecuted and made an example of that such practice of hu­man slavery can’t be allowed.”

Sara* says she was regularly beaten up and treated as a slave by her British husband after arriving in the UK.

She was detained at Yarl’s Wood detention centre after contacting po­lice for help, Sara has now applied for asylum after support from lawyers.

She told reporters: “My husband told me, ‘that’s why I brought you here, so you can cook clean for me, and get beaten by me’. He used to say, ‘the belt is not using as many marks, so I am going to use the cable’.

“I told him I was leaving, he said I was not going anywhere.

“I packed my bags and left. I have no family, friends here.

“He was going to kill me here.”

A Home Office spokesman said: “Victims of crime must be treated as victims first and foremost.

“When individuals are found to have no basis in the UK, we carefully consider the details of the case before taking an enforcement action.”

*Name has been changed