Raising awareness
Modern slavery is closer than you think, it could be the person washing your car, the lady in your beauty salon, the man working on the construction site next door or the carer helping clients with medical conditions.
Their Voice is committed to elevate awareness surrounding the harrowing reality of modern slavery and human trafficking. We actively achieve this through a series of impactful events, educational initiatives, and a vibrant presence across social media platforms.
A significant aspect of our goal involves fostering empowerment within our local community. We strive to equip each member with a heightened awareness of the telltale signs of modern slavery and the steps to effectively report such instances.
Home Office statistics highlight the urgency of our mission. Among the victims referred to authorities through the NRM (National Referral Mechanism), British Nationals comprise a significant demographic, and within this group, children from disadvantaged backgrounds make up the majority. A complex interplay of factors, such as poverty, economic disparities, mental vulnerability, experiences of abuse, isolation, and limited education, can contribute to an individual’s susceptibility to becoming ensnared in modern slavery and human trafficking.
The haunting truth is that modern slavery lurks much closer than we realise. This harsh reality emphasises the urgency we feel to shed light on these hidden crimes, we aim to spark collective action and build a stronger, more vigilant community against modern slavery and human trafficking.
What is Modern Slavery?
Modern slavery is a horrendous crime characterised by the ruthless selling of men, women and children through method of force, coercion and deceit, all for the sole purpose of yielding financial gains for others. Shockingly, the scale of this criminal enterprise is staggering.
It is estimated that £100 billion is made each year from modern slavery and that over £3,300 every second.
TYPES OF EXPLOITATION.
Sexual exploitation this involves being tricked and forced into prostitution, escort work and pornography. Vulnerable women and children make up majority of victims, men can be affected.
Forced Labour a person has no choice or control over their work, where they live and who they speak to, usually found on building sites, in agricultural, nail bars, car washes and hospitality.
Criminal exploitation a person is forced to transport drugs, work on cannabis farms, do shop lifting and begging. Often children are used because they are not of the age of criminal responsibility.
Domestic servitude this is where a person has to cook clean or do childcare for little or no pay, limited or no free time and often forced to sleep where they work.
Forced marriage when a child of adult has not consented to be in the marriage and unable to leave.
Organ Harvesting involves the illegal removal of organs with or without the donor’s consent.
It is estimated that £100 billion is made each year from modern slavery and that over £3,300 every second.
Spot the Signs of Slavery
Potential signs may include
Isolation
- Rarely allowed to travel on their own
- Appear to be under the control of others
- Tend not to interact with other people
- Seem unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work
- Have relationships which don’t seem right – for example, a young teenager appearing to be the boyfriend/girlfriend of a much older adult.
Restricted movement
- They don’t have documents that would allow them to travel – passports, ID, etc.
- Limited opportunities to move freely
- Few personal possessions
- Wear the same clothes day-in day-out
Reluctance to seek help
- Avoiding eye contact
- Appearing frightened, or hesitant to talk to strangers
- Fear of law enforcers
Physical appearance
- Signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as untreated injuries, anxiety, agitation, or appearing to be withdrawn and neglected
- They look malnourished or unkempt
- Wear clothes that are unsuitable for their work.
Poor living conditions
- They’re living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation
- Working and living at the same address.
Unusual travel arrangements
- They are always dropped off at/ collected from work; and very early in the morning or late at night
- Children dropped off/ picked up in private cars or taxis at unusual times and in places where it isn’t clear why they’d be there.
Source: Information on spot the signs are taken of the Unseen website
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT MODERN SLAVERY…
If you need help or suspect someone is a potential victim of Modern Slavery help can be sort by contacting:
Modern slavery Helpline
08000 121 700
Salvation Army
0300 3038151
Crime stoppers
O800 555 111
If you are ever concerned about someone’s immediate safety please call the police on 999
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD – WRITE TO YOUR MP
Modern slavery is happening in the UK and we need stronger action to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable. One of the ways you can help is writing to your local MP to demand change.
Why Write to your MP?
- Raise awareness among policy makers
- Push for stronger protections for victims
- Support laws that combat human trafficking
Your voice matters. Let’s stand together to end modern slavery.
How you can help
As a regulated charity we depend on the generous support and donations from amazing people and businesses like you. Whether it is providing baby items, toiletries, pre-loved items, household goods, funds to provide for our workshops, and much more we are truly grateful.