Modern slavery

Modern slavery is an unseen crime, it hides in takeaways, hotels, car washes, nail bars and private homes. There is no typical victim of slavery. Victims can be men, women and children of all ages but it is normally more prevalent amongst the most vulnerable, minority or socially excluded groups. The broad categories of Modern Slavery include:

• Forced labour
• Debt bondage
• Sexual exploitation
• Forced criminality
• Domestic servitude

Victims are often trafficked to a foreign country where they cannot speak the language, have their travel and identity documents removed, and are told that if they try to attempt an escape, they or their families will be harmed.

Identifying victims

• Is the victim in possession of a passport, identification or travel documents?
• Are these documents in possession of someone else?
• Does the victim act as if they were instructed or coached by someone else?
• Do they allow others to speak for them when spoken to directly?
• Was the victim recruited for one purpose and forced to engage in some other job?
• Was their transport paid for by facilitators, whom they must pay back through providing services?
• Does the victim receive little or no payment for their work?
• Is someone else in control of their earnings?
• Was the victim forced to perform sexual acts?
• Does the victim have freedom of movement?
• Has the victim or family been threatened with harm if the victim attempts to escape?
• Is the victim under the impression they are bonded by debt, or in a situation of dependence?
• Has the victim been harmed or deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care or other life necessities?
• Can the victim freely contact friends or family?
• Do they have limited social interaction or contact with people outside their immediate environment?

How to report modern slavery

If you think you or someone you know is a victim of modern slavery, you can report it online or call Surrey Police on 101 (always call 999 in an emergency).

First responder training for councils and other organisations

Home Office has recently launched an online training tool for First Responders on how to spot the signs of modern slavery, and what to do when you come across a potential victim of modern slavery. This programme aims to give you confidence to follow procedures swiftly and with compassion.

All I need is a phone

This short film 'All I need is a phone' has been released by Unseen UK and highlights how enslaved victims are more hidden than ever since the covid-19 pandemic hit. Thousands in the UK are still in modern slavery during coronavirus, hidden away and maybe living in a street near you. Since the lockdown began 62% of calls to the Modern Slavery Helpline have been from potential victims or someone who knows them, up 10% on 2019.

Sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude have not disappeared with Covid-19. Please help victims escape their exploiters by sharing this powerful new film promoting the Unseen UK Modern Slavery Helpline.