Can you help to identify and stop modern slavery?

Most people in the UK don’t know that modern slavery could be happening on their doorstep in their very own communities. Here’s how you can help stamp it out.

Victims of modern slavery can often be associated with sexual exploitation, but this is only one aspect of modern slavery. There are many different types of modern slavery victims: they could just as easily be young, able-bodied men who have been coerced into forced labour.

The signs are easier to spot once you know what to look for. That’ s why people across Peterboroughare being urged to help tackle modern slavery by learning to identify the signs.

Knowing who to reach out to when you see these signs means you could potentially help lift someone from your own community

out of exploitation and save them from a life of modern slavery.

HERE’ S WHAT TO LOOK FOR:

■ People who are being coerced into forced labour might rarely be allowed to travel on their own, seem under the control or influence of others, rarely interact or appear unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work

■ They may not have any identification documents in their own possession; have few personal effects and wear the same clothes most days; the clothes they do have might be unsuitable for their work

■ They may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, look malnourished or unkempt, anxious or agitated, or appear withdrawn and neglected; they may have untreated injuries

■ They may be living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation, or living and working at the same address, or the same address as numerous other individuals

■ They may be dropped off or collected for work on a regular basis at odd times, either very early or late at night, or have unusual travel arrangements, like children being dropped off or picked up at unusual times and in unlikely places.

Above all, people who are being exploited maybe reluctant to seek help: they may avoid eye contact, and could appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers or the authorities. They may not know who to trust or where to get help, and may even be unaware of the fact that they area victim of exploitation.

As part of the government’s Hiding In Plain Sight campaign, local residents across the UK are being encouraged to recognise the signs of modern slavery and report any suspicions to the National Modern Slavery Helpline.

■ To find out how to spot the signs or to report your suspicions, search National Modern Slavery Helpline online or call 08000 121 700.

MODERN SLAVERY IS AN INSIDIOUS AFFLICTION, OFTEN HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT WITHIN CITIES AND TOWNS ACROSS THE UK