Our partner Crimestoppers has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the issue of modern slavery.
Modern Slavery is an international crime that affects an estimated 29.8 million slaves around the world.
Crimestoppers estimates there are 13,000 people held in slavery in the UK today. In 2015 there were 3,266 potential victims identified and referred to the National Crime Agency.
The campaign shares some useful posters that Neighbourhood Watch groups can use to raise awareness of this important issue.
Modern Slavery takes a number of forms including sexual exploitation and forced labour. Often the person is forced or compelled to work and they are often controlled by an ’employer’, usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse. Signs that someone might be a victim of modern slavery include:
- Show signs of injury, abuse and malnourishment
- Look unkempt, often in the same clothing and have poor hygiene
- Be under the control and influence of others
- Live in cramped, dirty, overcrowded accommodation
- Have no access or control of their passport or identity documents
- Appear scared, avoid eye contact, and be untrusting
- Be collected very early and/or returned late at night on a regular basis
- May have inappropriate clothing for the work they are performing, and/or a lack of safety equipment
- May be isolated from the local community and their family
To learn more about the campaign and to access the resources click here