Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Further Provisions and Support for Victims) Bill - Committee Stage Call for Evidence

The Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Further Provisions and Support for Victims) Bill has 19 clauses:

Clauses 1 to 8 cover offences and investigation/prosecution of offences. The principal aim of these clauses is to ensure there are effective offences and sufficient resources for effective investigation and prosecution of cases. The clauses bring in some new definitions in relation to human trafficking and slavery offences and create a new offence of purchasing sexual services to reduce demand for trafficked individuals and combat exploitation.

Clauses 9 to 12 set out legal requirements for providing effective assistance and support for victims of human trafficking.

Clauses 13 and 14 provide additional protection for victims and witnesses during investigations and trials. Clause 14 amends the law on "special measures" for witnesses to ensure that all trafficked victims are eligible for special measures.

Clauses 15 and 16 require the Department of Justice to publish a strategy every year to raise awareness of and reduce human trafficking and slavery and to set up a Northern Ireland Rapporteur.

Clauses 17 to 19 set out definitions and commencement information.

Any organisation or individual with an interest in this Bill is invited to submit evidence to the Committee by e-mail to committee.justice@niassembly.gov.uk

or by post to:

The Committee Clerk, Room 242, Parliament Buildings, Ballymiscaw, Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX.

The evidence must be structured to address the specific clauses of the Bill and, if appropriate, should include any amendments you wish to propose to the text.

Organisations or individuals responding to this call for evidence will wish to note that their submission (either in whole or part) may be published on the Committee webpage.

If you do not have access to the internet or e-mail facilities or you have any other enquiries, please contact the Committee Office on 028 9052 1629 or 028 9052 1582.

The closing date for submissions is 5.00 p.m. on Friday 1 November 2013.