Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain.

It covers a wide range of abuse and exploitation including sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced labour, criminal exploitation and organ harvesting.

Victims of modern slavery can be any age, gender, nationality and ethnicity.

They are tricked or threatened into work and may feel unable to leave or report the crime through fear or intimidation. They may not recognise themselves as a victim.

Signs to look out for

Modern slavery could be happening in your community so it’s important you know the signs that could indicate someone is a victim of this crime.

The signs aren’t always obvious but there are some that you may notice:

• looking scruffy, malnourished or injured
• acting anxious, afraid or unable to make eye contact
• working long hours, wearing unsuitable clothing or have the wrong equipment for the job
• where they are living is overcrowded, poorly maintained or the curtains are always closed
• behaving like they are being instructed by someone else, picked up/dropped off at the same time and place every day or don’t have access to money or identification