RESTART – The Reporting Experiences of Survivors to Analyse in Real Time – was a multi-disciplinary research project funded by Modern Slavery PEC and headed by Aberystwyth University in cooperation with civil society organisations (Causeway and FiftyEight) and the private ethical AI development and research company Trilateral Research. RESTART involved a proof of concept of using AI software and a custom mobile app to analyse survivor’s stories for insights to improve support. In this blog, three people with lived experience of modern slavery who collaborated on the project share their experiences and observations about the research.
Overcoming Barriers: Applying AI in supporting survivors of modern slavery
Nelson Omoragbon, a lived experience expert, shares his perspectives on the barriers to using technology to help survivors and the potential solutions the research provided.
To have a better knowledge and help survivors of modern slavery, project RESTART collaborated with FiftyEight to develop an app on smartphones which were designed to allow them communicate their needs and goals through free-text journaling. The project then used Natural Language Processing (NLP), an AI technology, to analyse this information, alongside a large data set in the shape of case notes held by Causeway, a charity that supports survivors of modern slavery.
One of the main benefits of the app was it enabled survivors to express their needs, goals feelings and experiences accurately, freely and personally, whilst case notes are usually second-hand representations of their experiences, interpreted and recorded by support workers.
Barriers of entry
Despite the promise of technology, several barriers of entry and challenges related to using AI with survivors exist considering knowledge gaps and cultural nuances around them. One major barrier was that participants needed to have access to a working smart device and be English literate. While Causeway’s LifeSupply service provided devices for smart phones as well as internet packages to those that did not have access, these individuals still had to be somewhat tech savvy. The range in computer literacy among participants included those who had previously developed apps while others were new even to using computers or email. It required a strong support system to overcome this hurdle.
Crucially involved in addressing these problems was Causeway’s Participation Facilitator who played a key role in overcoming these challenges. These included regular troubleshooting support and making education materials such as graphic guides and video tutorials. Such resources were vital in assisting participants within the app hence, building trust of apps use among them. E.g. one participant shared how they had struggled initially but through continual guidance and video tutorials, this took them to a level where they became competent with the app.
Challenges of using AI with survivors
Although the AI-driven functions of the app had potential benefits, they also posed significant problems regarding knowledge gap and cultural nuances. The natural language processing (NLP) models, employed by the AI technology for analysing written texts, were heavily dependent on it; but this approach had many limitations because it was confined to English text analysis only. This limitation also meant that entries in other languages were disregarded in its results given that most survivors do not speak English as their first language and gained fluency during their stay in National Referral Mechanism (NRM). Therefore, this exclusion showed an urgent need for multi-language models that would be able to target more people.
More so, NLP models were further challenged by the intricacy of human language. AI systems often grapple with indigenous languages and other culturally-specific linguistic subtleties that are often used by survivors to describe their experiences. For instance, such sentences as "This is a man that stays with one of the ladies who also lives in the house" or "Not done a lot recently is scared to go out wants to be living a normal life but doesn't know what life is about" require an understanding that goes beyond AI.
AI’s inability to comprehend survivors’ narratives fully necessitated human oversight. The feedback from survivors and Life Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) has suggested the need for humans instead of AI alone in order to accurately understand and address needs expressed through the app.
"The feedback from survivors and Life Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP) has suggested the need for humans instead of AI alone in order to accurately understand and address needs expressed through the app."
Bridging the knowledge gap
Continuous assistance and learning was necessary for application users in efforts to bridge this gap. This necessitated creating materials that explained how best to use it while still maintaining regular personalized communication via platforms such as WhatsApp which had been identified as the most preferred by users among all others. Trust building and encouraging participation were key roles played by Participation facilitators. This encouragement was extremely crucial as it ensured that technical as well as emotional support was readily available.
While the integration of AI technology in supporting modern slavery survivors through the RESTART project showcased innovative strides, it also highlighted significant barriers and challenges. Addressing the knowledge gap, addressing the survivors understood the role and usage of the application, ensuring cultural sensitivity, and maintaining human oversight are essential steps in harnessing AI’s potential to truly benefit survivors. The experiences from this project shows the importance of a balanced approach that combines technology with compassionate human support.
Nelson Omoragbon
Empowerment through technology: my journey with the Mel app
U.N, a lived experience participant in the app trial, wrote of the potential for technology as an aid in recovery.
As a lived experience participant and being a part of the RESTART Project, using the Mel app for a period of four months has truly brought about an amazing shift in not only how I approach my short-term needs and long-term goals, but also in the way I navigate my healing journey. Dealing with the challenges of type 2 diabetes and the emotional weight of PTSD after enduring significant personal hardships, I discovered in the Mel app a source of support that became essential to my wellbeing.
The Mel app truly touched me in a deep way. It was a valuable outlet for me to share my health goals and navigate the emotional difficulties I faced, which included the loss of my elder brother in the hands of our biological father. The app provided me with a space for reflection.
The app was there for me every step of the way in my recovery journey, offering guidance for tasks and making sure I never missed any medical appointments or medication timings. It was as if I had a close companion helping me navigate the difficulties of my health conditions, showing genuine care and providing constant assistance.
"It was as if I had a close companion helping me navigate the difficulties of my health conditions, showing genuine care and providing constant assistance."
The Mel app helped me explore the present and picture a future that is free from the limitations of my past. It is truly empowering to see the possibilities that lie ahead. Keeping a journal has been pivotal in charting my path towards pursuing a degree in business management and venturing into entrepreneurship. It has helped me stay focused and motivated, helped me track my progress, and expand my aspirations.
If everyone is careful with the way they use technology, a lot of benefit can be achieved as people can easily access help.
U.N
Empowering my journey with the Mel app: a tool for modern slavery survivors
Hassan, another lived experience participant, suggests refinements that could make an app like MeL even more impactful.
As a survivor of modern slavery, navigating a new life can be overwhelming. Adjusting to a different environment while trying to focus on personal recovery requires support and resources. The Mel app can be instrumental in helping to manage such transition by allowing to track and update goals and needs in real time.
Before using Mel, I often found myself distracted and forgetful, especially when faced with challenging situations. The app's journaling feature has been a vital tool, helping me keep my goals front and centre. By focusing on the bigger picture, I've been able to better understand and address the issues I face, rather than getting bogged down by details. This has been crucial in planning my recovery journey and staying on track.
When I first arrived in the UK, my primary goal was to find a safe place for myself and my family. As my situation improved, my focus shifted to finding healthcare, learning the language, and pursuing education. Then, I began seeking opportunities to become a more productive member of society. Mel’s adaptability has allowed me to adjust my goals as my needs evolved, providing a dynamic reflection of my journey. The App responses to these changes and allows better understanding to these changes.
Despite its many advantages, there are a room for improvement. The App could enhance its ability to identify individual needs more effectively and link users to relevant support services. Additionally, overcoming language barriers would make the app even more accessible. By leveraging its AI capabilities, Mel could analyse entries in multiple languages, opening doors for a wider range of users.
Overall, Mel has been a powerful ally for me. With a few enhancements, it can become more essential tool for others in similar situations, providing the support needed to rebuild and thrive.
Hassan
Thanks to Causeway for working with the Lived Experience Experts on developing the blog.
