Introduction

This report synthesises research on preventing adult exploitation and trafficking, conducted by the Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) between 2020 and 2024. It examines evidence across the PEC’s funded studies to identify prevention gaps and suggests pathways to improve interventions. Using the BETR framework (Before, Early, Treat, Re-trafficking), the report underscores prevention as a dynamic, multi-agency process that requires robust evidence and systemic collaboration.

Background and approach

The synthesis focuses on studies related to adult trafficking and exploitation from PEC’s research portfolio. Of the 44 reports reviewed, 37 met inclusion criteria. Most studies examined contextual factors of exploitation rather than explicit prevention mechanisms. Prevention pathways—access, literacy, partnerships, deterrence, and empowerment—were often implied rather than defined. Recommendations emphasise aligning research with prevention goals, particularly upstream interventions and evaluation of systemic actions.

Findings

Overall characteristics of the portfolio

The portfolio covered diverse themes, including supply chains, governance, labour exploitation, and survivor experiences. Of the studies, 21 focused on the UK, while others explored low- and middle-income countries. The portfolio lacked research on domestic servitude, forced criminal exploitation, and organ harvesting. Additionally, prevention implications were often implicit in the findings, requiring re-interpretation to extract relevant insights.

The prevention concerns of studies

Primary and tertiary prevention themes were dominant, with gaps identified in early intervention and re-trafficking prevention. Studies on market governance revealed that robust trade and investment regulations can mitigate exploitation risks. Examples included recommendations for investors to divest from supply chains linked to Uyghur forced labour and evidence of improved outcomes in public procurement settings through contract performance clauses.

Themes of studies where prevention was most explicit

Before/primary prevention

Primary prevention emphasised governance, particularly in trade and investment. Studies highlighted how divestment, social responsibility, and contractual monitoring can disrupt exploitative practices. However, evidence of large-scale effectiveness remains anecdotal. Recommendations call for clearer articulation of governance mechanisms and further research into trade law outcomes.

Early/secondary prevention

Early prevention insights focused on training, awareness, and de-stigmatisation. For example, during COVID-19, reduced anti-slavery activities in Kenya hindered victim identification. Studies recommended culturally competent services, anti-stigma initiatives, and enhancing literacy on trafficking rights for vulnerable groups. Improved professional training is needed to address missed opportunities in early intervention.

Treat/tertiary prevention

Tertiary prevention studies focused on survivor care, addressing their needs for secure housing, mental health support, and access to services. For example, survivors in UK prisons highlighted barriers due to stigma, lack of trauma-informed practices, and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Recommendations included embedding survivor-informed approaches in service design and fostering multi-agency coordination for consistent care.

Re-trafficking and re-exploitation

Few studies explicitly addressed re-trafficking. Insights were derived from tertiary prevention themes, such as the importance of safe housing and transition support. Findings recommend proactive risk assessments in vulnerable settings, such as prisons, and involving survivors in programme design to enhance resilience.

Failure to prevent or generate harm

The report noted systemic failures in safeguarding, regulation, and service integration, which increased risks of exploitation. For instance, failures in supply chain oversight and ineffective handovers between child and adult support systems were recurring issues. Recommendations include developing theories of change and addressing prevention system failures with systems-based approaches.

Discussion and suggestions

Prevention requires integrated, multi-sectoral action and improved data sharing. The report makes 16 suggestions, including balancing research towards upstream prevention, improving anti-stigma measures, and investing in system-level evaluation. Clear frameworks for prevention pathways and leveraging survivor expertise are critical for enhancing policy and practice.