Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking

Modern Slavery is the term used within the UK and is defined within the Modern Slavery Act 2015 . The Act categorises offences of Slavery, Servitude and Forced or Compulsory Labour and Human Trafficking It is designed to combat modern slavery in the UK and consolidates previous offences relating to trafficking and slavery. The act extends to England and Wales.

These crimes include holding a person in a position of slavery , servitude forced or compulsory labour, or facilitating their travel with the intention of exploiting them soon after.

Although human trafficking often involves an international cross-border element, it is also possible to be a victim of modern slavery within your own country.

It is possible to be a victim even if consent has been given to be moved.

Children cannot give consent to being exploited therefore the element of coercion or deception does not need to be present to prove an offence.

Download a copy of the Wales Modern Slavery Safeguarding Pathway here.

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has published a review into the use of The Modern Slavery Act 2015 statutory defence. A copy of Dame Sara’s findings can be found in The Modern Slavery Act 2015 statutory defence: A call for evidence.

Signs of slavery

Due to the hidden nature of slavery and their reluctance or inability to seek help, you may not realise you've come into contact with a victim. Some of the signs to look out for include:

  • limited family contact
  • physical abuse
  • distrust of authority
  • having no friends
  • acting as if under another's control
  • appearing malnourished
  • disorientation
  • avoiding eye contact
  • unable to speak any English.

There are several broad categories of exploitation linked to modern slavery and these can be found on the National Crime Agency website.

Gwent Police have their own dedicated page to Modern Slavery with useful links.

Welsh Government provide information and media clips on types of slavery and trafficking. Their TV advert and poster campaign has been launched to raise awareness of the signs of slavery - including limited family contact, physical abuse, distrust of authority, having no friends and acting as if under another's control.

GOV.UK brings together documents and promotional material related to the government’s work to end modern slavery.

Gwent Anti-Slavery Group – have provided a Policy Briefing Paper (March 2018) that brings together current on Legal and Policy Frameworks, Procurement and Supply Chains, Guidance: NRM and Duty to Notify, Guidance: NRM and Duty to Notify (Children), Wales NRM and Duty to Notify Process Map, Further Guidance, Reviews and Reports.

How to report slavery

  • Emergency: 999
  • Non-emergency: 101
  • Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111
  • Modern slavery helpline: 0800 0121700
  • Support for victims
  • Bawso: 0800-731 8147