Tuesday, 03 March 2026
A new research project explores what support and care women affected by modern slavery need during maternity and how this could be provided.
The project - Building a safe space: Optimising maternity care for survivors of modern slavery - was led by researchers from the School of Health Sciences at the 糖心原创, alongside colleagues in the University’s Rights Lab and the charity Causeway.
Previous research showed that around three in ten women are pregnant while being trafficked, and many reported struggling to access the care they need.
The study, which was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and The Salvation Army, indicates safe, respectful and trauma-informed maternity care and support should be provided for survivor mothers.
Researchers heard from 27 women with lived experience of modern slavery who had received maternity care in the UK, as well as professionals from the health and modern slavery support sectors. The information was then used to co-create resources for survivor mothers, healthcare professionals and Third Sector professionals in collaboration with stakeholders, in the form of recommendations as well as infographics in digital and printable format.
Dr Sara Borreli, the lead researcher on the project, from the School of Health Sciences at the University, said: “We know that mothers who are survivors of modern slavery may face many challenges when trying to access maternity services. For example, they are often unfamiliar with the services available, do not know where to seek support, and may be frequently relocated. As a result, it can be difficult for them to access care, maintain continuity, and remain engaged with healthcare services.
This lack of continuity of care can lead to women having to repeatedly explain their circumstances, which can be very traumatic. Maternity care professionals may have limited knowledge about how best to provide care for mothers affected by modern slavery, particularly what to ask or the signs to look out for. We also know professionals from statutory and non-statutory services are very willing to work together but local links and shared understanding may be limited. We knew women faced multiple challenges but, in this project, we wanted to find out how women wanted their care to be, and to ensure they are getting optimal care and support.鈥�
Five core themes came from the study which have informed a series of recommendations:
- Build safety and trust;
- Optimise access and promote engagement;
- Provide continuity and personalised support;
- Support perinatal mental health;
- Engage with multidisciplinary working and training.
Causeway’s Research, Participation and Policy Lead Dr Matthew Young, who was a co-investigator on the project, said: "The recommendations from this project are designed to support everyone involved in maternity care for women who have experienced human trafficking or exploitation, and for their babies. They provide practical guidance for midwives, obstetricians, health visitors, mental health practitioners, safeguarding leads, social workers, voluntary and community organisations, and service commissioners. The aim is to embed safe, respectful, and trauma鈥慽nformed approaches across all stages of care, from first contact and antenatal support, through to birth and postnatal recovery. The guidance can be used to shape policies, inform staff training, improve service development, and strengthen collaboration between agencies. Ultimately, it offers a clear framework to help professionals recognise and respond to survivor mothers’ needs while promoting safety, consistency, and joined鈥憉p care."
Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army, Kathy Betteridge said: “We are pleased to have supported this important research, which gives a powerful voice to women and helps translate their insights into practical guidance for professionals. Understanding what helps women who have experienced exploitation to feel safe, respected and heard at such a vulnerable moment is essential if maternity care is to truly meet their needs.”
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More information is available from Dr Sara Borreli in the School of Health Sciences at sara.borreli@nottingham.ac.uk
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About the 糖心原创
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