Survivors of Modern Slavery and Their Digital Inclusion: A UK Qualitative Study from the Perspective of Survivors and Organizations That Support Them

Author: Polizzi, Gianfranco; D’Arcy, Jeanette; Harris, Rebecca; Yates, Simeon; Cullen, Catherine & Andrew, Bronagh

Abstract: This paper considers how to better support the social inclusion of survivors of modern slavery using digital technologies. As such, it explores the under-researched views and experiences of survivors themselves and representatives of civil society organizations supporting them, in relation to how they access and use digital technologies in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 survivors and 18 organization representatives, and the data collected was thematically analyzed. Key findings suggest that, to support survivors’ (re)integration, it is essential to provide them with access to technology and the digital skills to be safe and pursue opportunities online. However, while survivors value digital technologies to access support and undertake everyday activities, funding for the provision of such technologies is both limited and inconsistent. Meanwhile, in terms of digital skills and safety training, balance between individualized, tailor-made support and formal training is often lacking. Bridging research on survivors of modern slavery with broader digital inequalities work, this paper argues that digital access and digital literacy are crucial to survivors’ material and socio-cultural (re)integration in the UK. Recommendations are provided for research, practice, and policy aimed at facilitating the social and digital inclusion of survivors.

Keywords: survivors of modern slavery, organizations supporting survivors, digital inclusion, digital literacy, (re)integration