A charity dedicated to helping victims of people trafficking in Huddersfield have spoken up on a storyline from the hit drama Happy Valley.
One aspect of the gritty drama focused on a trafficking exploitation storyline, which was welcomed by charity officials, who say they want to “redefine” stereotypes of victims.
Invisible Traffick GB are a local charity who reintegrate victims of sexual exploitation and modern-day slavery into the community.
Its manager, Alison Ellis, has spoken of the charity’s approval but also criticism of the trafficking storyline in the recent BBC series.
Read more: Happy Valley: Best viewer reactions as series two ends
Although a minor storyline, the programme detailed how Croatian trafficking victim Ilinka had escaped from a factory where she was working.
See pictures from the last episode of the series below
Ilinka was forced into work by the Knezovic family without any pay, explained on-screen by protagonist Sgt Catherine Cawood, played by Sarah Lancashire.
Alison said: “Anything that raises the profile of trafficking we really endorse.
Read more: Catherine Cawood's sassiest one-liners in Happy Valley series two
“However, I felt the storyline involving the prostitutes could have been dealt with better.
“Sex work is just another form of trafficking, whether you are British or not.
“They are not where they are of their own accord.”
Invisible Traffick GB have bases at Elim Church in Huddersfield, as well as a house for victims currently being built at an undisclosed location. The charity supports victims with rehabilitation and training for employment.
Read more: Stunning police drama Happy Valley set to return for third series
The charity have recently been given £7,500 funding from West Yorkshire’s Police & Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson’s Safer Communities Fund.
They are also hosting a fundraising ball in Brighouse on Saturday evening, at which Mr Burns-Williamson will speak.
He said: “I am pleased that money given through my SCF Fund has gone to a charity supporting victims of these awful crimes to help rebuild their lives following a traumatic ordeal and am delighted to have been invited to this event to speak about the work we are doing with West Yorkshire Police and various partners around supporting victims of trafficking.”
The ball will take place at the Holiday Inn in Clifton Village. Click here for more information and tickets.
