Underground Lives 

Underground Lives is Hestia's research report series exploring key issues faced by victims and survivors of modern slavery in London.

Hestia is the leading provider of modern slavery support in London and the south east. We feel it's important to campaign and advocate for victims of modern slavery, to ensure their experiences are understood, their voices are heard and that they get the support needed to rebuild their lives.

Since 2017, Hestia has published nine Underground Lives reports, exploring topics including the intergenerational impact of modern slavery, the economic benefits of providing survivors with the right to work, and the experiences of Albanian survivors.

If you have questions about any of Hestia's Underground Lives reports, please contact our press office.


Read our Underground Lives reports now

Underground Lives: Albanian Survivors of Modern Slavery

October 2023

The ninth publication in our Underground Lives series explores the experiences of Albanian victims of modern slavery and trafficking - one of the most common nationalities supported by Hestia's Modern Slavery Response Team. Our report takes an in-depth look at the need to increase prosecutions for modern slavery, and the safety of returning survivors to Albania. 

 

Underground Lives: Aspirational Britain: Survivors of Modern Slavery Want to Work Too

October 2022

The eighth publication in our Underground Lives series explores how survivors of modern slavery could be contributing to the UK economy and helping to address skills shortages, but instead are being held back by bureaucratic red tape.

 

Underground Lives: Forgotten Children: The Intergenerational Impact of Modern Slavery

October 2021

The seventh publication in our Underground Lives series explores how mothers and their children, many of whom have witnessed their mother's exploitation or been born as a result of exploitation, are impacted by maternal modern slavery.

Underground Lives: Criminal Exploitation of Adult Victims

July 2020

The sixth publication in our Underground Lives series explores police response to victims of criminal exploitation, strategies used by criminal gangs to recruit victims and how to support victims through COVID-19 and beyond.

Underground Lives: Homelessness and Modern Slavery in London

October 2019

The fifth publication in our Underground Lives series explores the link between homelessness and modern slavery in the capital.

Underground Lives: The Reality of Modern Slavery in London in 2018 (Fact sheet)

March 2019

The fact sheet reveals the true face of modern slavery in London in 2018.

Underground Lives: Police Response to Victims of Modern Slavery

Underground Lives: Police Response to Victims of Modern Slavery

March 2019

The fourth publication in our Underground Lives series. 

Underground Lives: Male Victims of Modern Slavery

Underground Lives: Male Victims of Modern Slavery

October 2018

The third publication in our ‘Underground Lives’ series. This report shines a light on the experiences of male victims of modern slavery in London. 

With special thanks to ATLEU, the Helen Bamber Foundation, the Human Trafficking Foundation, Hope for Justice, the Metropolitan Police Anti-Slavery Unit and other organisations interviewed as part of our research. We are also grateful to Hogan Lovells who supported the legal research.

Underground Lives: Pregnancy & Modern Slavery

March 2018

The second publication in our ‘Underground Lives’ series. This report shines a light on the experiences of pregnant victims of modern slavery in London.

Underground Lives: The Reality of Modern Slavery in London - 2018 UPDATE

March 2018

An updated release of the first report in the 'Underground Lives' series.

Underground Lives: The Reality of Modern Slavery in London 

November 2017

The report reveals the true face of modern slavery in London, with our figures suggesting that the problem is different in the capital in comparison with the rest of the UK.

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About Hestia's Modern Slavery Response service

Since 2011, Hestia has supported thousands of adults and dependent children through the trauma of modern slavery. We provide both emotional and practical support through our safe houses in London and Kent, and through outreach support in every London borough.

Find out more about Hestia's modern slavery support