News / Modern Slavery
Bristol-based charity highlights stark reality of modern slavery
The thousands of people across Britain at risk from the scourge of modern day slavery have been highlighted in a recent report from Unseen.
In its first year of operation, the UK-wide Modern Slavery Helpline, set up by the Bristol-based charity, received a total of 3,710 calls, identifying 4,886 potential victims of exploitation and human trafficking.
The figures for 2017 reveal that 3,540 of these were thought to be working in forced labour or exploitative conditions across a range of sectors and industries, including car washes, construction, nail bars, hospitality, agriculture and manufacturing.
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Unseen also received reports about 774 potential victims of sexual exploitation, 128 cases of domestic servitude and 52 people feared to be at risk from criminal exploitation.
The cases highlighted were a result of calls from members of the public reporting something suspicious in their neighbourhoods and places of work, as well as some from the victims themselves.
They are unlikely to portray the full extent of a crime that is all too often hidden in plain sight in society, but charity bosses say the figures clearly highlight the need for an ongoing national helpline.
Justine Currell, Unseen’s executive director, said: “The helpline is a vital tool in the UK’s fight against modern slavery and the number of calls we have received in our first year is testament to that.
“Our work with partners means that we are getting the message out to the public and potential victims about the help and support they can access through the helpline.
“It is absolutely vital that potential victims and others have a service that is available 24/7 and is confidential and free.”
The potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking identified through the helpline last year represented 94 different nationalities.
Andrew Wallis OBE, CEO of Unseen, said: “It has been a landmark year for Unseen and one that has clearly highlighted the ongoing need for a national helpline that can genuinely deal with all aspects of modern slavery in a professional, caring and knowledgeable manner.
“Our actions are directly supporting people out of exploitation and we must continue to provide a service that puts the victim at the heart of what we do.”
From the calls received, the helpline made a total of 1,442 referrals to other agencies and organisations during the year, including every police force in the country, the National Crime Agency, a range of NGOs and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority.
If you need help, or you think someone may be a victim of slavery or exploitation, call the confidential UK modern slavery helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 08000 121 700.
Main image taken from Unseen video.
Read more: ‘Modern slavery is an illicit trade in which human beings are turned into commodities’
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