Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery and Exploitation
Modern slavery is a crime and a violation of human rights. it includes human trafficking, exploitation and slavery.
Types of Exploitation
Modern slavery can take many forms including:
- sexual exploitation such as forced prostitution, sexual abuse or the abuse of children to produce indecent images
- domestic servitude where victims are forced to work in private homes with little or no freedom, often unpaid
- forced labour where people are made to work long hours in poor conditions for little or no pay under threats of violence
- criminal exploitation where people are forced to commit crimes such as shoplifting, drug trafficking, cannabis cultivation or benefit fraud
- child exploitation where children are coerced, controlled or deceived into sexual or criminal activity, forced labour, begging or domestic servitude
- other forms such as forced marriage, organ removal and illegal adoption
Signs of Exploitation
Victims may:
- appear malnourished, injured or wear inappropriate clothing
- be unable to move freely or have no access to money or identification
- be isolated, fearful or unable to speak freely
- work long hours for little money in unsafe conditions
- live in poor or controlled conditions
Anyone can be a victim of modern slavery. children are especially vulnerable and must always be safeguarded.
How to Report Concerns
If you think someone may be a victim of modern slavery or exploitation:
- in an emergency call 999
- for non-emergency concerns call 101
- to safeguard a child contact Westmorland and Furness Multi-Agency Children’s Hub on 0300 373 2724
- for advice call the modern slavery helpline, available 24 hours a day on 08000 121 700