What is modern slavery?
Modern slavery is the exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. Victims are trapped
into situations which they were deceived or coerced into, and feel they cannot leave.
Human trafficking involves recruitment, harbouring or transporting people into a situation of exploitation.
Modern slavery is defined in the Modern Slavery Act 2015 as:
Holding a person in a position of slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour or facilitating their travel with the intention of exploiting them soon after.
There are several broad categories of modern slavery.
All prioritise profit over people
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sexual exploitation
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forced labour
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forced criminality
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domestic servitude
Anyone can be a victim of modern slavery and human trafficking regardless of gender, nationality or age, including children
Possible signs of exploitation
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Has no access to their ID, passport, money or bank account.
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Appears controlled by another person, who speaks on their behalf or restricts their movements.
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Has limited contact with family, friends or wider support networks.
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Is fearful, withdrawn, or anxious around authority figures.
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Lives where they work, in overcrowded or poor living conditions.
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Believes they owe a debt they cannot repay.
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Has unexplained injuries or limited access to healthcare.
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Has children who are not attending education or whose living arrangements seem unclear.
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Displays signs of branding, ownership, or control by others.
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Has possessions or a lifestyle that appear inconsistent with their circumstances.
These indicators do not always mean exploitation is occurring, but they may suggest someone is at risk and should be explored further.
Where might you see it?
Be concerned if someone:
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Having your nails done
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Having your car washed
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Restaurants / takeaways
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Shop work
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Packing factories
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In hotels
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On building sites
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Fruit picking
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Leaflet drops
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In bars
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Begging in the street
Help, support & reporting
Dudley's Referral Process
Adult Modern Slavery and Exploitation - Dudley Safeguarding People Partnership
Child Modern Slavery and Exploitation – Dudley Safeguarding People Partnership
West Midlands Police
Call police non-emergency number 101.
In an emergency call 999
Visit www.west-midlands.police.uk/
Accessibility text phone 18001 101 (In an emergency 18001)
Modern Slavery Helpline
For help, advice or information about any modern slavery issue you can contact the Modern Slavery
Call 08000 121 700 (confidentially helpline, 24/7, 365 days)
Visit www.modernslaveryhelpline.org
West Midlands Victim Care and Support Services Directory
This directory has been compiled by The West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network, who connect various agencies involved in tackling modern day slavery in the West Midlands https://www.westmidlands-pcc.gov.uk/victims/for-victims/modern-slavery/
Useful links & documents
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Information and Guidance: For International Workers on Sponsorship in the Care Industry
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#Look Closer - child exploitation campaign
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Moving On Project - support for women and children
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The Salvation Army Confidential and Anonymous Helpline - call 0800 808 3733
