Modern Slavery

What it is

Modern slavery takes many forms. Forced or compulsory labour is a common element of modern slavery, although the tasks people are forced to conduct may not be considered as traditional labour.

The types of modern slavery include:

Human trafficking – the moving of a person with the intention of exploiting them
Forced labour – being forced to work long hours with little or no pay and without typical workplace protections
Sexual exploitation, such as escort work, prostitution and pornography
Debt bondage – being forced to work to pay off debts that realistically they never will be able to
Domestic servitude – being held within a home against your will perform domestic chores and childcare duties for little or no pay with restrictions on freedoms.

Possible signs of modern slavery

Signs of modern slavery are:

Appearing to be malnourished, unkempt or withdrawn
Isolation from the community, seeming under the control or influence of others
Living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation, and/or living and working at the same address
Lack of personal effects or identification documents such as a Passport
Always wearing the same clothes
Avoiding of eye contact, appearing frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers
Fear of the police and people in authority
Always being accompanied by another adult
Unable to contact their friends or family
Working very long hours and always being ‘on call’
Denied access to food, water, medicine, medical treatment or sleep

Advice and support:

If you have identified a potential victim of human trafficking or modern slavery report it now. follow steps 1 – 3 on the referral pathway below. (click to open the PDF)