Modern Slavery

This includes slavery, human trafficking, forced and compulsory labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

Whilst usually associated with organised crime groups, modern slavery is also committed by individual opportunistic perpetrators and even family members. Signs of various types of slavery and exploitation are often hidden, making it hard to recognise potential victims.

Signs of modern slavery might include:

• Not being in possession of legal documents such as passport, identification and bank account details as they are being held by someone else
• Old or serious untreated injuries, and they are vague, reluctant or inconsistent in explaining how the injury occurred
• Looking malnourished, unkempt, or appearing withdrawn
• Owning few personal possessions and often wearing the same clothes and what clothes they do wear may not be suitable for their work
• Being withdrawn or appearing frightened, unable to answer questions directed at them or speak for themselves and/or an accompanying third party speaks for them. If they do speak, they are inconsistent in the information they provide, including basic facts such as the address where they live
• Appearing under the control or influence of others, rarely interacting, or appearing unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work
• Unable to speak English
• Fearful of authorities
• Perceiving themselves to be in debt to someone else or in a situation of dependence

Modern slavery takes various forms and affects people of all ages, gender and races. The emotional scars of modern slavery run very deep, with many survivors suffering from ongoing feelings of being dehumanised, depression and anxiety.