Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking

Understanding Modern Slavery, Exploitation, Human Trafficking and Your Rights Modern slavery and human trafficking are serious crimes and human rights abuses that affect adults and children from all backgrounds. Exploitation can occur in communities, workplaces, private homes, online environments and criminal networks. Victims may be British citizens or foreign nationals, and exploitation can affect people of any age, gender, ethnicity, disability, religion or social background. Modern slavery is often hidden, making awareness, safeguarding and reporting concerns extremely important. This guide provides information about modern slavery, human trafficking, labour exploitation, sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, domestic servitude, county lines exploitation, reporting concerns and available support services This information is intended for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice.

What is Modern Slavery?

Understanding Modern Slavery

Modern slavery is an umbrella term covering situations where individuals are exploited and unable to leave because of:

• Threats.
• Violence.
• Coercion.
• Deception.
• Abuse of power.
• Abuse of vulnerability.

Modern slavery may involve:

• Human trafficking.
• Forced labour.
• Domestic servitude.
• Sexual exploitation.
• Criminal exploitation.
• Debt bondage.

Modern Slavery Act 2015

Modern Slavery Act 2015

Human Trafficking

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking involves recruiting, transporting, transferring, harbouring or receiving individuals for the purpose of exploitation.

Trafficking can occur:

• Across international borders.
• Within the UK.
• Within local communities.

Movement is not always required for exploitation to occur.

Government Guidance

Modern Slavery Guidance

Labour Exploitation

Workplace Exploitation

Labour exploitation may involve:

• Forced work.
• Unpaid work.
• Underpayment.
• Excessive hours.
• Unsafe working conditions.
• Confiscated identity documents.
• Debt bondage.

Industries where exploitation has been identified may include:

• Agriculture.
• Construction.
• Hospitality.
• Care work.
• Manufacturing.
• Car washes.
• Food processing.

Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

GLAA

Sexual Exploitation

Abuse for Sexual Purposes

Sexual exploitation occurs when someone is manipulated, controlled or coerced into sexual activity for another person's benefit.

Victims may experience:

• Threats.
• Violence.
• Grooming.
• Coercion.
• Financial control.
• Isolation.

Sexual exploitation can affect:

• Adults.
• Children.
• Vulnerable individuals.

Rape Crisis

Rape Crisis England & Wales

Criminal Exploitation

Being Forced into Crime

Criminal exploitation occurs when someone is manipulated, threatened or coerced into criminal activity.

Examples may include:

• Drug supply.
• Theft.
• Fraud.
• Begging.
• Financial crime.
• County lines activity.

Victims should be recognised as potentially vulnerable individuals requiring safeguarding support.

Domestic Servitude

Exploitation in Private Homes

Domestic servitude may involve individuals being forced to work within households under exploitative conditions.

Warning signs may include:

• Restricted movement.
• Isolation.
• Long working hours.
• Lack of pay.
• Fear of employers.
• Poor living conditions.

County Lines Exploitation

Criminal Networks and Exploitation

County lines refers to organised criminal networks using dedicated communication lines to distribute illegal drugs.

Children and vulnerable adults may be exploited through:

• Grooming.
• Threats.
• Debt bondage.
• Violence.
• Criminal coercion.

Victims may be forced to:

• Transport drugs.
• Store weapons.
• Handle money.
• Commit criminal offences.

Children's Society

The Children's Society County Lines Information

Child Exploitation

Protecting Children

Children may experience:

• Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE).
• Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).
• Online grooming.
• Trafficking.
• County lines exploitation.

Any concerns about child exploitation should be taken seriously.

NSPCC

NSPCC

Child Protection Helpline:

0808 800 5000

Adult Exploitation

Vulnerable Adults

Adults may be particularly vulnerable due to:

• Disability.
• Mental health difficulties.
• Homelessness.
• Substance misuse.
• Social isolation.
• Financial hardship.

Safeguarding services may help protect vulnerable adults from exploitation.

Ann Craft Trust

Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults

Signs of Modern Slavery

Possible Warning Signs

Potential indicators may include:

• Fearful behaviour.
• Signs of physical abuse.
• Restricted freedom.
• Poor living conditions.
• Lack of control over earnings.
• No access to identity documents.
• Limited communication with others.
• Unexplained travel arrangements.
• Dependence on controllers.

One sign alone does not necessarily indicate exploitation, but concerns should not be ignored.

Online Exploitation

Digital Risks

Traffickers and exploiters may use:

• Social media.
• Messaging platforms.
• Gaming platforms.
• Online recruitment adverts.
• Fake job offers.

Online safety awareness can help reduce risks.

National Cyber Security Centre

National Cyber Security Centre

Financial Exploitation

Economic Control

Victims may experience:

• Wage theft.
• Benefit fraud in their name.
• Forced debt.
• Controlled bank accounts.
• Financial coercion.

Financial exploitation often accompanies other forms of abuse.

Missing Persons & Exploitation

Additional Safeguarding Concerns

People who repeatedly go missing may be at increased risk of:

• Grooming.
• Trafficking.
• Sexual exploitation.
• Criminal exploitation.

Missing person reports should always be taken seriously.

Missing People

Missing People Charity

24-Hour Helpline:

116 000

Additional Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking & Exploitation 

These sections expand the Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking Hub and provide further information about exploitation, safeguarding, public protection, victim support and human rights.

Child Trafficking

Protecting Children

Child trafficking occurs when a child is recruited, transported, transferred, harboured or exploited for another person's benefit.

Children cannot legally consent to their own exploitation.

Child trafficking may involve:

• Sexual exploitation.
• Criminal exploitation.
• Labour exploitation.
• Domestic servitude.
• Forced marriage.

NSPCC

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

Childline

https://www.childline.org.uk

Telephone:

0800 1111

Organ Harvesting & Organ Trafficking

Serious Human Rights Abuse

Organ trafficking involves the illegal removal, sale or trade of human organs.

This is a serious international crime and human rights violation.

Victims may be vulnerable due to:

• Poverty.
• Coercion.
• Deception.
• Exploitation.

United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime

https://www.unodc.org

Forced Marriage & Exploitation

Abuse of Choice and Freedom

Forced marriage occurs when someone is pressured, threatened or forced into marriage without freely consenting.

Forced marriage may overlap with:

• Human trafficking.
• Domestic abuse.
• Honour-based abuse.
• Sexual exploitation.

Forced Marriage Unit

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage

Telephone:

020 7008 0151

Debt Bondage

Exploitation Through Debt

Debt bondage occurs when individuals are forced to work to repay debts that may be:

• Unfair.
• Inflated.
• Impossible to repay.

Victims may remain trapped through threats, coercion or deception.

Forced Criminality

Exploitation Through Crime

Victims may be forced into criminal activities such as:

• Drug distribution.
• Theft.
• Fraud.
• Benefit fraud.
• Money laundering.

Safeguarding professionals should recognise that exploited individuals may themselves appear within the criminal justice system.

Cuckooing

Criminal Takeover of Homes

Cuckooing occurs when criminals take over the home of a vulnerable person to carry out criminal activity.

Victims may include:

• Older people.
• Disabled people.
• People with mental health difficulties.
• People experiencing addiction.

Crimestoppers

https://crimestoppers-uk.org

Telephone:

0800 555 111

Sexual Exploitation of Adults

Exploitation and Coercion

Adult sexual exploitation may involve:

• Grooming.
• Manipulation.
• Coercive control.
• Financial control.
• Violence.
• Trafficking.

Victims should be treated with dignity, respect and access to support.

Rape Crisis

https://rapecrisis.org.uk

Online Grooming & Recruitment

Digital Exploitation Risks

Exploiters may use:

• Social media.
• Messaging apps.
• Gaming platforms.
• Online job adverts.
• Dating platforms.

Warning signs may include:

• Secretive communication.
• Sudden gifts.
• Requests for travel.
• Pressure to meet strangers.

CEOP Safety Centre

https://www.ceop.police.uk

Missing Children & Exploitation

Increased Safeguarding Risks

Children who go missing may face increased risks of:

• Child sexual exploitation.
• Child criminal exploitation.
• Trafficking.
• County lines involvement.

Every missing child report should be taken seriously.

Missing People

https://www.missingpeople.org.uk

Telephone:

116 000

Missing Adults & Vulnerability

Safeguarding Adults

Adults who go missing may be vulnerable to:

• Exploitation.
• Trafficking.
• Abuse.
• Financial harm.

Missing person investigations may involve safeguarding assessments.

Missing People

https://www.missingpeople.org.uk

Homelessness & Exploitation

Increased Vulnerability

People experiencing homelessness may be at increased risk of:

• Labour exploitation.
• Sexual exploitation.
• Criminal exploitation.
• Modern slavery.

Support services can help reduce risk and improve safety.

Shelter

https://www.shelter.org.uk

Crisis

https://www.crisis.org.uk

Disability & Exploitation Risks

Protecting Disabled People

Disabled individuals may be targeted because of:

• Dependence on others.
• Social isolation.
• Communication barriers.
• Financial vulnerability.

Safeguarding and advocacy services may help provide protection.

Disability Rights UK

https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org

Mental Health & Exploitation

Understanding Vulnerability

People experiencing mental health difficulties may face increased risks from:

• Grooming.
• Financial exploitation.
• Coercive control.
• Criminal exploitation.

Responses should balance:

• Safeguarding.
• Human rights.
• Mental health support.

NHS Mental Health

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Labour Abuse in Supply Chains

Ethical Business Responsibilities

Businesses should take reasonable steps to identify and reduce exploitation risks within supply chains.

This may involve:

• Due diligence.
• Audits.
• Ethical procurement.
• Risk assessments.

Modern Slavery Act Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/modern-slavery

Business Responsibilities Under the Modern Slavery Act

Corporate Responsibilities

Certain organisations may have responsibilities relating to transparency and anti-slavery measures.

Businesses should promote:

• Ethical recruitment.
• Fair labour practices.
• Worker welfare.

Modern Slavery Statements Guidance

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/modern-slavery-statement-registry

Safeguarding Responsibilities for Professionals

Duty to Protect

Professionals may encounter signs of exploitation through their work.

This may include:

• Teachers.
• Healthcare staff.
• Social workers.
• Housing officers.
• Police officers.
• Community organisations.

Concerns should be reported through appropriate safeguarding procedures.

NSPCC Learning

https://learning.nspcc.org.uk

First Responder Duties

Identifying and Supporting Victims

Certain organisations are recognised as First Responders within the National Referral Mechanism.

Responsibilities may include:

• Identifying indicators.
• Making referrals.
• Supporting victims.
• Coordinating safeguarding.

National Referral Mechanism

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/modern-slavery-how-to-identify-and-support-victims

Multi-Agency Safeguarding Partnerships

Working Together

Protecting people from exploitation often requires cooperation between:

• Police.
• Social services.
• Healthcare.
• Schools.
• Housing providers.
• Charities.

Multi-agency working helps improve safeguarding outcomes.

Working Together to Safeguard Children

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children

Victim Recovery & Long-Term Support

Recovery Beyond Rescue

Recovery may involve:

• Safe accommodation.
• Mental health support.
• Healthcare.
• Education.
• Employment support.
• Advocacy.

Long-term recovery needs vary between individuals.

Salvation Army

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery

Compensation for Victims of Exploitation

Access to Financial Remedies

Some victims may be entitled to compensation through:

• Criminal courts.
• Civil claims.
• Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Independent legal advice may be beneficial.

Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/criminal-injuries-compensation-authority

International Human Trafficking

Cross-Border Exploitation

Human trafficking may involve movement across:

• Countries.
• Regions.
• Continents.

International cooperation is often necessary to investigate and prevent trafficking.

Interpol

https://www.interpol.int

Immigration, Asylum & Exploitation

Additional Vulnerabilities

Some migrants, refugees and asylum seekers may face increased risks of exploitation due to:

• Language barriers.
• Financial hardship.
• Lack of support networks.
• Fear of authorities.

Victims should be encouraged to seek support and safeguarding assistance.

Refugee Council

https://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk

Human Rights & Anti-Slavery Law

Fundamental Rights

Everyone has the right to:

• Freedom from slavery.
• Freedom from forced labour.
• Safety and dignity.
• Access to justice.
• Protection from exploitation.

Human Rights Act 1998

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents

Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com

Community Awareness & Prevention

Preventing Exploitation

Communities can help by:

• Recognising warning signs.
• Reporting concerns.
• Supporting vulnerable individuals.
• Promoting awareness.

Prevention is a shared responsibility.

Modern Slavery Helpline

https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

Telephone:

08000 121 700

Signs of Exploitation for Employers, Schools & Communities

Potential Warning Signs

Possible indicators may include:

• Sudden behavioural changes.
• Fearful or withdrawn behaviour.
• Unexplained absences.
• Poor living conditions.
• Lack of personal control.
• Signs of physical abuse.
• Unexplained travel.
• Working excessive hours.
• Being accompanied by controlling individuals.

A single indicator does not automatically mean exploitation is occurring, but concerns should never be ignored.

Additional Related Topics: Modern Slavery, Exploitation, Safeguarding & Public Protection

These topics closely connect with modern slavery, human trafficking, safeguarding, exploitation, public protection and human rights. Understanding how these issues overlap can help individuals, families, professionals and communities identify risks earlier and access appropriate support.

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

Understanding Child Sexual Exploitation

Child Sexual Exploitation occurs when a child or young person is manipulated, groomed or coerced into sexual activity.

Exploitation may involve:

• Gifts.
• Money.
• Accommodation.
• Alcohol or drugs.
• Emotional manipulation.
• Threats.
• Violence.

Children cannot consent to exploitation.

NSPCC

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

CEOP Safety Centre

https://www.ceop.police.uk

Child Criminal Exploitation (CCE)

Criminal Exploitation of Children

Child Criminal Exploitation occurs when children are manipulated or coerced into criminal activity.

Examples may include:

• Drug supply.
• Theft.
• Violence.
• Money laundering.
• County lines activity.

Children's Society

https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk

County Lines

Criminal Networks and Exploitation

County lines gangs may exploit:

• Children.
• Vulnerable adults.
• Missing persons.
• People with addiction issues.

Indicators may include:

• Unexplained travel.
• New phones.
• Unexplained money.
• Missing episodes.

Children's Society

https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk

Missing Persons

Safeguarding Concerns

People who go missing may face increased risks of:

• Exploitation.
• Trafficking.
• Abuse.
• Grooming.

Every missing person report should be taken seriously.

Missing People

https://www.missingpeople.org.uk

Helpline:

116 000

Domestic Abuse

Exploitation Within Relationships

Modern slavery may overlap with domestic abuse.

Examples may include:

• Financial control.
• Coercive control.
• Forced labour.
• Domestic servitude.
• Sexual exploitation.

Refuge

https://www.refuge.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Telephone:

0808 2000 247

Forced Marriage

Protection and Support

Forced marriage is a form of abuse and may involve:

• Coercion.
• Threats.
• Violence.
• Trafficking.

Forced Marriage Unit

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/forced-marriage

Telephone:

020 7008 0151

Honour-Based Abuse

Understanding Honour-Based Abuse

Honour-based abuse may include:

• Violence.
• Threats.
• Coercion.
• Forced marriage.
• Family-based control.

Victims require safeguarding and specialist support.

Karma Nirvana

https://karmanirvana.org.uk

Helpline:

0800 5999 247

Adult Safeguarding

Protecting Vulnerable Adults

Adult safeguarding aims to protect people who may be at risk due to:

• Disability.
• Mental health difficulties.
• Age.
• Illness.
• Vulnerability.

Care Act 2014

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2014/23/contents

Ann Craft Trust

https://www.anncrafttrust.org

Child Protection

Safeguarding Children

All children have the right to:

• Safety.
• Protection from abuse.
• Protection from neglect.
• Protection from exploitation.

NSPCC

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

Childline

https://www.childline.org.uk

Telephone:

0800 1111

Homelessness & Vulnerability

Increased Risks

People experiencing homelessness may face increased risks from:

• Exploitation.
• Violence.
• Trafficking.
• Criminal coercion.

Shelter

https://www.shelter.org.uk

Crisis

https://www.crisis.org.uk

Mental Health & Public Protection

Supporting Vulnerable Individuals

Mental health difficulties may increase vulnerability to:

• Grooming.
• Financial exploitation.
• Abuse.
• Coercive control.

Support should focus on:

• Recovery.
• Human rights.
• Safeguarding.
• Appropriate care.

NHS Mental Health

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health

Online Safety & Grooming

Digital Risks

Online exploitation may occur through:

• Social media.
• Gaming platforms.
• Messaging services.
• Dating websites.

Warning signs may include:

• Secretive communication.
• Gifts from strangers.
• Requests for personal information.
• Pressure to meet offline.

CEOP

https://www.ceop.police.uk

Internet Matters

https://www.internetmatters.org

Fraud & Financial Exploitation

Economic Abuse

Victims may experience:

• Wage theft.
• Benefit fraud.
• Identity theft.
• Financial coercion.
• Debt bondage.

Action Fraud

https://www.actionfraud.police.uk

Citizens Advice

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Human Rights & Equality

Fundamental Rights

Everyone has the right to:

• Freedom from slavery.
• Freedom from exploitation.
• Freedom from discrimination.
• Access to justice.
• Dignity and respect.

Equality and Human Rights Commission

https://www.equalityhumanrights.com

Human Rights Act 1998

https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/42/contents

Community Safety & Crime Prevention

Shared Responsibility

Communities can help prevent exploitation by:

• Reporting concerns.
• Supporting vulnerable people.
• Challenging misinformation.
• Promoting safeguarding awareness.

Crimestoppers

https://crimestoppers-uk.org

Telephone:

0800 555 111

Victim Support & Recovery

Supporting Survivors

Recovery may involve:

• Safe housing.
• Counselling.
• Healthcare.
• Advocacy.
• Legal advice.
• Education and employment support.

Victim Support

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk

Salvation Army

https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery

International Crime & Organised Crime

Global Criminal Networks

Human trafficking is often linked to organised crime.

Criminal networks may engage in:

• Trafficking.
• Drug crime.
• Money laundering.
• Exploitation.
• Fraud.

National Crime Agency

https://www.nationalcrimeagency.gov.uk

Interpol

https://www.interpol.int

Labour Rights & Employment Exploitation

Workplace Protections

Workers should be protected from:

• Forced labour.
• Wage theft.
• Unsafe conditions.
• Discrimination.
• Exploitation.

ACAS

https://www.acas.org.uk

Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority

https://www.gla.gov.uk

Modern Slavery in Supply Chains

Business Responsibilities

Organisations should take steps to identify and reduce exploitation risks within supply chains.

Measures may include:

• Ethical procurement.
• Due diligence.
• Worker welfare assessments.
• Transparency reporting.

Modern Slavery Statement Registry

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/modern-slavery-statement-registry

Police Investigations & Reporting Crime

Reporting Concerns

Concerns about trafficking, exploitation or slavery can be reported through:

Emergency

999

Non-Emergency

101

Modern Slavery Helpline

https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

Telephone:

08000 121 700

Crimestoppers (Anonymous)

https://crimestoppers-uk.org

Telephone:

0800 555 111

Multi-Agency Protection & Public Safeguarding

Working Together

Effective safeguarding often involves cooperation between:

• Police.
• Social Services.
• NHS.
• Schools.
• Housing Providers.
• Local Authorities.
• Charities.
• Community Organisations.

Multi-agency working helps identify risks early and improve outcomes for victims.

Working Together to Safeguard Children

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/working-together-to-safeguard-children

Reporting Concerns

If You Suspect Modern Slavery

You do not need proof to report concerns.

Information can be reported to:

Police

Emergency: 999

Non-Emergency: 101

Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline

Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline

Telephone:

08000 121 700

Crimestoppers (Anonymous Reporting)

Crimestoppers

Telephone:

0800 555 111

National Referral Mechanism (NRM)

Support for Potential Victims

The National Referral Mechanism helps identify and support potential victims of modern slavery.

Referrals may be made by authorised organisations including:

• Police.
• Local authorities.
• Social services.
• Certain charities.

Government Information

National Referral Mechanism Guidance

Victim Support & Recovery

Support Services

Victims may require:

• Emergency accommodation.
• Healthcare.
• Mental health support.
• Legal advice.
• Advocacy.
• Financial support.
• Immigration advice where appropriate.

Victim Support

Victim Support

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army Modern Slavery Support

Human Rights & Legal Protections

Everyone has the right to:

• Freedom from slavery.
• Freedom from forced labour.
• Protection from exploitation.
• Safety and dignity.
• Access to justice.
• Protection from discrimination.
• Healthcare and support where needed.

Relevant legislation includes:

• Modern Slavery Act 2015.
• Human Rights Act 1998.
• Children Act 1989.
• Children Act 2004.
• Care Act 2014.
• Equality Act 2010.
• Data Protection Act 2018.

Human Rights Act

Human Rights Act 1998

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Key Message

Modern slavery, trafficking and exploitation rarely occur in isolation. They often overlap with child protection, adult safeguarding, domestic abuse, county lines, missing persons, mental health concerns, homelessness, financial exploitation and organised crime.

Everyone can play a role in identifying concerns, supporting vulnerable people, promoting awareness and helping ensure that victims receive protection, support and access to justice while their rights and dignity are respected.