Modern slavery

Victims of modern slavery can be of any age, gender, or race, but are often taken advantage of due to their vulnerability.

What is Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is when somebody is forced or coerced to do something they don't want to do, and another person gains from this exploitation.

Someone is in slavery if they are:

• forced to work through mental or physical threat
• owned or controlled by an 'employer', usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse
• dehumanised, treated as a commodity or bought and sold as 'property'
• physically constrained or have restrictions placed on his/her freedom

Categories of Modern Slavery

The following definitions are encompassed within the term 'modern slavery' for the purposes of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

These are:

• Slavery is where ownership is exercised over a person
• Servitude involves the obligation to provide services imposed by coercion
• Forced or compulsory labour involves work or service extracted from any person under the menace of a penalty and for which the person has not offered himself voluntarily
• Human trafficking concerns arranging or facilitating the travel of another with a view to exploiting them

Signs of Modern Slavery

There may be indications that someone is a victim. The person might:

• feel fearful, anxious or distrustful of authorities
• show signs of trauma (physical/psychological)
• suffer injuries that have been left untreated
• not know their home or work address
• have a story that sounds rehearsed
• have someone else speak on their behalf
• believe they have debt to pay off
• be separated from their passport
• not have days off or be unable to leave the workplace
• have limited/no social interaction
• reveal threats have been made against them or their family

Organisations that can assist

If you or someone you know is being or has been exploited or you are unsure if someone is in need of help, assistance and advice is available:

• for life-threatening emergencies, call 999, or for non-emergencies, call 101 for the police
• Victim Support can be called on 0808 16 89 111 or contacted via an online form
• Crimestoppers can be called on 0800 555 111 or contacted via an online form
• Migrant Help can be called on 0808 8010 503
• The Salvation Army have a 24/7 confidential referral helpline, which can be called on 0800 808 3733
• Kalayaan - Advice, advocacy and support services for migrant domestic workers
• Medaille Trust - Helps women, young men and children who have been freed from human trafficking