Fleeing conflict to modern slavery

Abstract

Abstract This chapter discusses the findings from the research where people had fled conflict and experienced modern slavery. It includes examples of modern slavery occurring in the country of conflict, after arriving in the UK, or in an interim country. While all those who suffered modern slavery had vastly different experiences, there were two underlying themes that linked them all, regardless of the form of exploitation suffered or the country in which it occurred. These were a limiting of choices and a lack of support. The limiting of choices meant that all the respondents were in situations where they had to make decisions which were all imbued with risk, leaving them to choose the option that appeared to be the lesser evil. These choices were being made in a context which also saw a breakdown in their support networks, meaning that individuals no longer had a robust system of people they trusted and could turn to when they needed support, assistance, or advice.