Victims’ Voices is a ground-breaking initiative launched in May 2021 to train selected caseworkers to undertake interviews with survivors of modern slavery that meet ‘achieving best evidence’ (ABE) standards. This means that the evidence gathered can be used in criminal proceedings on behalf of police and law enforcement. Zakon Training have been delivering this training since the projects inception and have run several courses as part of this groundbreaking collaboration.

The project aims to empower more victims to seek justice through providing opportunities to tell their story in a comfortable environment, at their own time and pace. Experiences show that some survivors find it difficult to give evidence, either because of distrust of authority, stigma regarding forms of exploitation - in particular, sex work - and fear of repercussions for family and friends back home.

By using experienced case workers, who are not police officers or authority figures, in familiar surroundings, survivors who would not otherwise have given evidence or supported criminal prosecutions, will be able to seek justice. This new approach will help to address the current imbalance in the criminal justice system.

Here is a brief snapshot of what the delegates had to say about the training : -

“Zakon staff were extremely knowledgeable. Their vast experience of doing these interviews for real really built learners confidence.”

“Lots of information, resources and very practical.”

“The trainers and actors were extremely knowledgable but also very passionate which showed in the training.”

“Simon was thorough, experienced and clearly a vast knowledge of the legislation and guidance necessary to carry out successful interviews.”

“A great balance of inputs and practicals.”

“The content of the course was great and simplified to my level of understanding.”

“The trainers showed a very high level of knowledge and experience.”

“The course will allow me to support the trust and police with VRI’s. It has also given me a good psychology knowledge that will also be applicable to other duties.”

You can read more about the Medaille Trust here: - https://www.medaille-trust.org.uk