Modern slavery occurs when a person is brought to, or moved around the country by others who threaten, frighten or hurt them, and force them into work or other things they do not want to do.
It is a term used to describe:
- Human trafficking, slavery, forced labour and domestic servitude.
- Slavery practices such as debt bondage, sale or exploitation of children and forced marriage.
- Signs of slavery and exploitation are often hidden. Victims can be any age, gender, ethnicity or nationality.
The exploitation of these victims can take many forms.
Sexual Exploitation
People coerced, forced or intimidated into providing services of a sexual nature.
How to spot it:
- They may only have limited amounts of clothing which is mostly 'sexual' in nature
- They may be only able to speak sexual words in English or the language of their clients
- They may show signs of abuse, health symptoms, ritual abuse or witch craft, and may show signs of substance abuse
- Adverts for the premises may advertise the sexual services of people from particular ethnic or national groups
Domestic Servitude
People who live with a family, working as a domestic servant or nanny.
How to spot it:
- They will rarely be allowed outside the house alone
- They may sleep on a sofa or in a study
- They may only feed on the family's leftovers
Forced Labour
This could be people working in factories, farms, or fast food restaurants.
How to spot it:
- They may have little protective equipment
- They may live in overcrowded rented accommodation with bins filled with fast food packaging
- Minibuses may pick them up at unusual times
Forced Street Crime
People begging or committing pickpocket or robbery offences, typically in public places or on public transport.
How to spot it:
- They may have signs of bruising, cuts or mutilation and be especially fearful of law enforcement and adults in general
- One adult may be the guardian of a large group of children
Cannabis Cultivation
People working in houses growing cannabis.
How to spot it:
- These houses will typically have their windows covered permanently from the inside
- There may be visitors at unusual times of day or night
- There may be a vent protruding from a window or the roof, with a pungent smell coming from inside and cooling fan noises
Organ Trafficking
People who are trafficked so that their organs can be harvested, typically kidneys.
How to spot it:
- Large visible scars on either side of their abdomen
Vulnerable Locations
Because of their nature and the services they provide, some business types are more susceptible to having trafficking victims among their workers, such as:
- Nail bars
- Employment agencies
- Letting agents
- Care homes
- Brothels
- Businesses suspected of using migrant or cheap labour
- Fast food outlets
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- 'Pick your own' sites and other agricultural businesses
- Soup kitchens
- Car wash sites
- Drop in centres
- Wedding venues (sham marriages)
Watch a video on reading the signs of human trafficking from Crimestoppers.
Modern slavery is, by definition, the same as human trafficking, but this involves the act of transporting and movement of people. Derbyshire Constabulary has information on spotting the signs of human trafficking and how to report concerns.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 requires the Council to take steps to ensure modern slavery is not taking place in our business or supply chains. This includes:
- Identifying and referring victims
- Supporting victims through safeguarding children and adults with care and support needs and through housing/ homelessness services
- Undertaking community safety services and disruption activities
- Ensuring that supply chains used are free from modern slavery
Reporting Concerns
If you are worried about or suspect that a person may be a potential victim of modern slavery or trafficking, please contact:
- 999, if the person is at immediate risk of harm and in need of protection.
- Derbyshire safeguarding referrals - Adults: Professionals please use safeguarding adults electronic referral form.
- Members of the public the Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190 (24 hours)
- Derbyshire safeguarding referrals - Children: Contact Starting Point, via Call Derbyshire on 01629 533190 (24 hours) or via an online referral.
- Derby City Council: 01332 640777 and refer to social care
- 101, if a non-emergency – quote Criminal Exploitation Team
- Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit for advice Call: 101 or email: socex@derbyshire.police.uk.
- Derbyshire and Derby City have a Modern Slavery Partnership, which supports and enables the discovery and response to modern slavery incidents.