Last year saw 228 possible victims of modern slavery

Britain’s Anti-slavery Commissioner

Human trafficking is a vile crime whereby criminals exploit fellow human beings for financial gain.

As the Independent Anti-slavery Commissioner, I have a Uk-wide remit to encourage better support and protection for victims of human trafficking and modern slavery, and I also want to see an increase in prosecutions so traffickers can be brought to justice.

Vulnerable victims can be forced into labour exploitation, sexual exploitation or even criminality by their traffickers.

You might come across these victims every day, “working” at hand car washes or nail bars. Criminals today use coercion to control their victims rather than keeping them locked up in chains.

Last year, 228 possible victims of modern slavery were identified in Scotland and referred to the National Referral Mechanism, the system of support for victims as they begin the long journey to recovery from their horrendous ordeals.

However, less than a dozen cases were brought against traffickers in Scotland. We need to increase this – sending the message to all traffickers that we will not tolerate their brutal criminality and to victims that their safety and recovery is our top priority.

We are often closer than we think to the exploitation of others and everyone can play a role in trying to stop human trafficking. From making sure you are aware of the signs of exploitation, to thinking more about where your shopping is sourced can help.

We know the devastating effects that using plastic has on the planet, but sustainability is social as well as environmental. Ask yourself: can a dress cost £20 or a car wash cost £6 without someone being exploited at some stage?

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