Scotland's Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy Delivery Plan 2026-28

Date: 7th September 2026
Category: Violence against children

---

The Scottish Government has published a new Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy Delivery Plan for 2026-28, setting out how Scotland will work to prevent human trafficking and exploitation and better support victims.

The plan uses a public health approach, focusing on three stages: preventing harm before it happens, intervening early when risks are identified, and supporting people who have experienced harm while preventing them from being trafficked again.

The plan has four main outcomes:

·       Protect and support victims: Children and adults who experience trafficking should be identified early and given access to coordinated services, legal support and opportunities to recover and rebuild their lives.

·       Target perpetrators: Individuals, businesses and organised crime groups involved in trafficking and exploitation should be identified, disrupted and prosecuted.

·       Improve data and evidence: Better use of research and data will help Scotland understand trafficking, identify emerging risks and improve responses.

·       Address the causes of trafficking: The plan aims to tackle the wider conditions that can increase the risk of trafficking and exploitation, including factors that can lead to people being trafficked again.

The plan builds on progress made since 2017 and recognises that tackling trafficking requires action across local, Scottish, UK and international levels. It will also be informed by people with lived experience, with plans to establish a Survivor Forum so survivors can help shape and prioritise future actions.

Read Scotland's Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy Delivery Plan 2026-28