Success Stories - For the 50

Operation Fort (UK)

Operation Fort was one of the largest modern slavery investigations in the UK, uncovering a Polish trafficking network that exploited over 400 victims. The operation revealed how vulnerable individuals were lured to the UK with promises of work, only to be forced into degrading conditions, including poor housing, minimal pay, and threats of violence. The perpetrators, primarily from two Polish families, controlled their victims' bank accounts and documents, leaving them powerless. After a lengthy investigation, several members of the network were convicted in 2019, marking a significant victory in the fight against modern slavery. The case highlighted the importance of collaboration between UK authorities, charities, and Polish law enforcement in dismantling the trafficking network. Full Story

Case of Maria (Ireland)

The Case of Maria in Ireland brought to light the harrowing experience of a Brazilian woman trafficked for forced labor. Maria was lured to Ireland with promises of legitimate work but was instead subjected to exploitation in domestic servitude. She endured long hours of unpaid labor, confiscation of her documents, and physical and emotional abuse. Fearing retaliation and deportation, Maria remained trapped in silence until escaping with the help of a concerned neighbor. Her case highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers and the importance of Ireland's National Referral Mechanism in identifying and supporting victims of trafficking. It underscored the need for stronger protections and public awareness to combat modern slavery. Full Story

Survivor Stories

Lily's Story

Lily came to the UK to escape political turmoil in her home country, hoping to earn money for her children. Instead, she was exploited as a domestic servant, working up to 18 hours a day, seven days a week, for nine years, earning just £5 a day. Isolated and unaware of her legal rights, Lily endured until the Home Office identified her as a victim of modern slavery and referred her to Causeway for support. After reuniting with her family after 23 years, she faced depression and PTSD but found solace through Causeway's LifeLink support groups. Now living independently, Lily receives psychological support and hopes to rebuild her life. Full Story

Emina's Story

Emina, a young woman from Albania, was forced into marriage at 20 despite her university aspirations. After moving to the UK with her husband, she was exploited through childcare and household labor while awaiting a spousal visa. Fearing shame and blood feuds, she hid her suffering from her family. Her husband abandoned her after two years, leaving her homeless and vulnerable with unstable immigration status. With support from the Medaille Trust, she entered the National Referral Mechanism and was placed in a safehouse. Though she now receives support, her future is uncertain as her asylum application was denied without the right to appeal under the UK-Albania agreement.Full Story

Mende Nazer's Story

Mende Nazer, a Sudanese author and human rights activist, was abducted at age 12 or 13 during a slaving raid on her village in the Nuba Mountains and sold into slavery. She spent six years as a domestic servant in Khartoum, enduring hard labor and abuse, before being sent to London to work for a Sudanese diplomat. With the help of a fellow Sudanese, she escaped and sought asylum in the UK. Although initially denied, her asylum claim gained support from human rights groups and was eventually approved in 2002 after the publication of her autobiography, Slave: My True Story. Her story has since been adapted into a film and stage play, highlighting her journey from slavery to activism.Full Story