To ask the Minister for Women and Equality what steps the Government are taking to assist women who have been trafficked into the UK to work forcibly in the sex industry; and if she will make a statement. (76029)

I have been asked to reply.

Since March 2003 the Home Office has funded Poppy, a scheme run by Eaves Housing for Women to provide safe accommodation and tailored one-to-one support for adult female victims who have been trafficked into the UK for the purposes of sexual exploitation.

In April of this year the Home Office entered into a two-year, £2.4 million funding agreement with Eaves Housing for Women. This funding will not only provide for the continuation of the existing crisis provision service for up to 25 women it will also meet the costs of: 10 additional “step-down” places which will help the women to live semi-independently; the introduction of the first ever specialist national outreach service in the UK for victims trafficked into sexual exploitation; and the development of a resource pack for victims, service providers and law enforcement agency staff.