Modern slavery is a crime that involves the exploitation of individuals for financial or personal gain. Victims of modern slavery are often vulnerable individuals who are tricked or coerced into working in conditions that are unsafe and inhumane. They may be held against their will, forced to work long hours without pay, and subjected to physical or emotional abuse. Victims of modern slavery can be of any age, gender, or nationality. It may not always be visible and could be happening in our communities.
There are several forms of modern slavery which encompasses a range of components. These include but not limited to:
- Sexual exploitation
- Domestic servitude
- Forced labour
- Criminal exploitation
- Slavery and Servitude
- Organ harvesting
- Human Trafficking
You can learn more about Modern Slavery at Hestia: Hestia's Modern Slavery Response service/ And download Spot The Signs toolkit in the download section.
Reporting Modern Slavery
To report modern slavery, contact the Modern Day Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.
The UK Modern Slavery Helpline is available 24/7 to offer confidential advice and support for any victim, statutory agency, business, or member of the public regarding modern slavery suspicions or concerns.
In an emergency, call the Police on 999.
If you are concerned about a child being exploited, a referral can be made to Newham Children’s Services on 020 3373 4600 during office hours (Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5.15pm or Friday 9am to 5.00pm) 020 8430 2000 at any other time and if the referral is urgent. For concerns about adults call 02084302000 (option 2).
The National Referral Mechanism
The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of Modern Day Slavery to the Home Office to ensure they receive the appropriate protection and support.
The NRM provides a framework to identify, refer and record potential victims of modern slavery. There are five stages in identifying a potential victim and their journey through the NRM.
- Identification of a potential victim (PV)
- Referral into NRM by a first responder
- Reasonable grounds decision
- Support for victim with a positive reasonable grounds decision
- Conclusive grounds decision by a competent authority
Who can Refer?
Referrals can be made to the NRM by ‘First responders’ who are, in England and Wales, an authority that is authorised to refer a potential victim of modern slavery into the National Referral Mechanism. A list of the current statutory and non-statutory first responder organisations can be found on the government website.
If you’re a first responder working for a designated organisation, you can report modern slavery on GOV.UK.
You can still report modern slavery as a member of the public. Call the modern slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700 or report it online.
Links
Modern day slavery & human trafficking – Safeguarding resources for professionals
Domestic and sexual abuse – Safeguarding resources for professionals