Partners put modern slavery in spotlight
ACONFERENCE designed to raise awareness of modern slavery and make Halton a no-go area for the crime has been held in Widnes.
The Select Security Stadium hosted Modern Slavery – The Victim’s Journey on Tuesday, September 6.
The event’s aim was to raise awareness of the network of agencies in the borough and the rest of Cheshire designed to tackle the issue.
Those who attended discovered what support there is for potential vic- tims of modern slavery and how best to safeguard extremely vulnerable people who often do not realise they are a victim of crime.
Cheshire Police And Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “We’re only beginning to see across the country the scale of what is known as modern slavery.
“Since January, the constabulary has recorded eight such cases affecting a dozen or so people – and the constabulary is convinced that there are many more.
“Having spoken to the chief constable, I know that this is a challenging issue. Vulnerable people from different backgrounds are being exploited – some from overseas, many from this country – and in some cases those who are being exploited don’t realise that they’re a victim of what is a crime.”
Together all agencies in Cheshire want to do more to raise awareness of the issue and encourage the public to speak to them when they suspect that someone may be a victim of modern slavery.
There were talks by leading experts in the field, case studies and the chance to ask questions at the conference.
Halton Council leader Rob Polhill said: “We are proud to host such an event and hope it gets the message across that this kind of barbaric practice has no place in Halton, Cheshire, or anywhere in the modern world.”
Robin Brierley, chair of the Cheshire Anti Slavery Network, said that he would like to a regional modern slavery strategy link in with a national approach.
He added that he wants the Trafficking Survivor Care Standards produced by the Human Trafficking Foundation to be better promoted.
Mr Keane added: “This, and a number of other ‘hidden crimes’, will be included in my draft Police And Crime Plan.
“I want to make sure the issue stays well and truly in the public eye.
“We want to reassure those victims, however they hear this message, that support is available to them. Cheshire Cares, a service for victims which I commission, has the skills necessary to help the people, and to get them the support from local authorities and the voluntary sector who can help them break free from their exploitation.
“Only by hearing from Cheshire residents and business owners will we understand the true challenge we face.”
Those who have suspicions regarding modern slavery can contact Cheshire police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Residents can also contact the Modern Slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700.