Case Studies

Signs of modern slavery

by Mark Rowe

Be aware of how to spot the signs of someone who may have been trafficked and is being exploited. Victims may:

Look malnourished or unkempt
Be withdrawn, anxious and unwilling to interact
Be under the control and influence of others
Live in cramped, dirty, overcrowded accommodation
Have no access or control of their passport or identity documents
Appear scared, avoid eye contact, and be untrusting
Show signs of abuse and/or have health issues

Typical kinds of employment that victims may be forced into:

Factories and farm work;
Restaurants, in particular fast food outlets;
Domestic service and hospitality; and
Hand car washes and nail bars.

They may also be forced into sexual exploitation as well as into crime such as pick-pocketing, begging, burglaries and the illegal drug trade. You can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.

Police have welcomed new laws against modern slavery. The Modern Slavery Act 2015 came into force on Friday, July 31, the first of its kind in Europe.

The authorities say that new legislation will strengthen the response of the police and the courts by increasing the maximum sentence available for the most serious offenders from 14 years to life in prison.

It will also consolidate and simplify existing modern slavery offences into one Act and see the introduction of Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders and Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders to restrict the activity of individuals where they pose a risk of causing harm.

Law enforcement powers at sea will also be strengthened to close loopholes which can prevent the police and Border Force being able to act on board vessels at sea.

Victims will also receive enhanced protection and support throughout the criminal justice process, particularly when being required to give evidence in court and local businesses will be encouraged to take action to ensure their end-to-end supply chains are slavery-free (see separate article).

Norfolk and Suffolk Police say that they have been working hard with its staff and partner agencies to raise awareness of the signs of Human Trafficking.

Detective Supt Steve Mattin said: “This legislation sends the strongest possible message to criminals that if you are involved in Modern Slavery you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will face prison. It also says to victims that they do not have to suffer in silence and they are not alone, we are here to help.

“We have been working very hard in both Norfolk and Suffolk to educate our officers on the issue of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery to help identify potential victims within our communities, as well as working with partner agencies to ensure they get the support they need.

“Modern Slavery is a brutal form of organised crime in which people are treated as commodities and exploited. The true extent of slavery in Norfolk and Suffolk, and the rest of the UK, is unknown; however, this new legislation will help give victims the confidence to come forward and bring offenders to justice.”

Suffolk’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Tim Passmore said: “I wholeheartedly welcome this new law which will lead to much needed tougher penalties for these despicable crimes.

“I am particularly pleased to see enhanced enforcement powers at sea. Suffolk has a long and in places quite remote coastline and it is crucial that enforcement reflects our very specific needs.

“It is important that victims have confidence to report these evil crimes be reassured that Suffolk will have the powers it needs to deal effectively with these evil perpetrators.

“I would implore people to look out for the signs of human trafficking and modern slavery and report any suspicious circumstances immediately because we have to tackle this barbarous behaviour head on.”

And Stephen Bett, PCC for Norfolk said: “I am sorry to say that Modern Slavery is a reality and is happening everywhere, including in Norfolk. There is no doubt that we are talking about an abuse of Human Rights which effects society’s most vulnerable and we all have a role to play in helping those who are being exploited. I welcome the new laws and tougher penalties.”

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