Overview Part 4
Sections 22 to 24 are intended to protect victims of human trafficking and slavery-like offences in criminal investigations and proceedings.
Section 22 creates a statutory defence for victims of human trafficking and slavery-like offences who have been compelled to commit certain other offences as a direct consequence of their trafficking or slavery situation. The defence will not apply in cases where the offence in question would attract a maximum sentence of five years or more, with a limited number of exceptions. Section 23 places a duty on the Chief Constable to ensure that, during an investigation of a human trafficking or slavery-like offence, the complainant receives specific treatment aimed at preventing secondary victimisation. Section 24 amends the Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 to ensure that victims human trafficking and slavery-like offences are automatically eligible for special measures in court when giving evidence.