'Underground Lives'

Read Underground Lives: Pregnancy & Modern Slavery

On International Women’s Day, Hestia launched of a new report ‘Underground Lives: Pregnancy & Modern Slavery.’The report shines a light on the experiences of pregnant victims of modern slavery and the issues they continue to face despite their freedom. It was fantastic to see significant media coverage in outlets including the BBC, Independent, Thomson Reuters, Daily Mail and ELLE.

Our launch event, hosted by our partners Hogan Lovells, was chaired by Guardian journalist Alexandra Topping. Also on the panel was Ella Read, Hestia’s Area Manager for Modern Slavery Response as well as Hogan Lovells Yasmin Waljee OBE and Janet Fyle MBE from the Royal College of Midwives. The event was live-streamed on Facebook so you can catch it again.

“We are excited to be hosting the launch of Pregnancy & Modern Slavery here today and celebrate this important development. We look forward to working collaborative with Hestia through their Phoenix post NRM Project and continue to provide pro-bono support for the victims of modern slavery in their services.” – Yasmin Waljee OBE 

We were also pleased to see the Home Office announced a new £300 grant for pregnant victims of modern slavery. This is a great step forward that will help mothers prepare for the birth of their baby. However, we know there is still more work to be done.

“I’m so grateful to be here and for Hestia’s research into this topic…because these women are invisible.  These women are hidden and the number of children born into modern slavery is rising dramatically every year. These women are in poor physical health, with no vaccinations and their pregnancy outcomes are disastrous.” – Janet Fyle MBE”

Phoenix Project 

Hestia’s Phoenix Project also provides an inspiring opportunity to volunteer either as an individual or a corporation to help victims of modern slavery rebuild their lives. For more information please contact the project coordinator. Together we can ensure men and women get the help they deserve. 

If you need advice

Call The Salvation Army’s confidential Referral Helpline on 0300 3038151. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone who considers they might be a victim of modern slavery and in need of assistance or if you come into contact with someone you suspect may be a victim of modern slavery and in need of assistance.

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Read Underground Lives: Pregnancy & Modern Slavery