Theme of the Month - Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Theme of the Month: Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Modern slavery and human trafficking involve serious forms of exploitation and control that may not always be easy to recognise. Understanding what these terms mean, recognising potential warning signs and knowing how to raise a concern safely can help protect people. You do not need to investigate or prove exploitation yourself.
Understanding Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Exploitation
Our Theme of the Month for August focuses on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
Modern slavery can be difficult to recognise. Someone experiencing exploitation may not openly discuss their circumstances, and the situation may not always look the way people expect.
Developing greater awareness can help people recognise when something may be wrong and understand when to raise a safeguarding concern.
Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking at a Glance
The key things to remember are:
Modern slavery involves serious exploitation and control.
Human trafficking involves people being recruited or moved for the purpose of exploitation.
Exploitation is not always immediately visible.
People from different backgrounds and circumstances can be affected.
There is no single warning sign that proves someone is experiencing exploitation.
Someone experiencing exploitation may find it difficult to ask for help.
You do not need to investigate a concerning situation yourself.
LSP learners can raise concerns with their tutor, Support Coach or Safeguarding Team.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
What Is Modern Slavery?
Modern slavery is a broad term used to describe serious forms of exploitation in which someone is controlled and cannot freely leave or refuse their situation.
Control may involve threats, coercion, deception, abuse of power or other methods that restrict someone's freedom and choices.
Modern slavery is not always immediately visible. A person may appear to be working or living normally while experiencing control or exploitation that other people cannot see.
UK Government guidance provides further information on identifying and supporting potential victims of modern slavery. [gov.uk]
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking involves people being recruited or moved for the purpose of exploitation.
Modern slavery and human trafficking are closely connected, although the terms do not always describe exactly the same circumstances.
Understanding these terms can make it easier to recognise the different ways exploitation may occur and identify when something could raise a safeguarding concern.
Understanding Different Forms of Exploitation
Exploitation can happen in different environments and circumstances.
Someone's experience may not match common assumptions about modern slavery or human trafficking. This is why it is important to focus on circumstances that suggest somebody may be controlled, threatened or exploited rather than expecting every situation to look the same.
A person may also experience more than one form of exploitation or control.
Potential Warning Signs of Exploitation
There is no single warning sign that proves someone is experiencing modern slavery or human trafficking.
UK Government guidance provides information about the signs that someone may be a potential victim of modern slavery. [gov.uk]
Circumstances That Could Cause Concern
Someone may:
Have limited control over their personal circumstances
Appear unable to move around freely
Have identification or important documents controlled by another person
Receive little or no payment for their work
Live or work in unsuitable conditions
Appear unable to communicate freely with other people
Be closely monitored or controlled by somebody else
Seem unable to make decisions about their own circumstances
One sign alone does not necessarily mean exploitation is taking place.
If something concerns you, share what you have noticed through an appropriate safeguarding route rather than trying to investigate the situation yourself.
Why Can Modern Slavery Be Difficult to Recognise?
Modern slavery does not always match the situations people might expect.
Someone experiencing exploitation may continue going to work, interact with other people or appear to follow a normal routine.
There may also be important information about their circumstances that people around them cannot see.
Awareness should therefore focus on recognising concerning patterns or circumstances without making assumptions about someone's situation.
Why Might Someone Find It Difficult to Ask for Help?
There are different reasons why someone experiencing exploitation may find it difficult to discuss what is happening.
They may feel:
Frightened
Controlled
Pressured
Unable to make decisions freely
Unsure who they can trust
Worried about what may happen if they ask for help
Someone may also not describe themselves as being exploited.
Concerns should therefore be approached carefully, respectfully and without judgement.
Challenging Myths About Modern Slavery
Understanding modern slavery also means recognising common misconceptions.
Myth: Modern slavery is an issue from the past
Fact: Modern slavery remains a current issue. The UK Government maintains modern slavery guidance, referral mechanisms and victim-support information. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]
Myth: Exploitation will always be obvious
Fact: Potential indicators can relate to someone's circumstances, behaviour or level of control. There is not one simple situation that everyone affected will experience. [gov.uk]
Myth: Everyone affected will have the same experience
Fact: People affected by modern slavery can experience different circumstances and forms of exploitation.
Myth: I need proof before I can raise a concern
Fact: If something causes concern, you should use an appropriate safeguarding or reporting route rather than putting yourself at risk by attempting to investigate independently.
What Should You Do If Something Concerns You?
You do not need to investigate a potentially concerning situation yourself.
Five Practical Steps
Do not attempt to investigate the situation yourself.
Do not confront somebody you believe may be responsible.
Make a note of what caused you concern where appropriate.
Speak to an appropriate person who can provide support.
Explain what you saw or heard without making assumptions about what happened.
If somebody is in immediate danger, call 999.
Members of the public can also report suspected modern slavery through the government's modern slavery reporting service or its helpline. [modernslavery.gov.uk]
Modern Slavery and Safeguarding
Awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking forms an important part of safeguarding.
You are not expected to determine whether exploitation is definitely taking place yourself. If something does not seem right, sharing the concern through an appropriate safeguarding route allows it to be considered further without requiring you to investigate independently.
Getting Support Through LSP
If you are concerned about something you have seen, heard or experienced, speak to:
Your LSP tutor
Your Support Coach
The LSP Safeguarding Team
Another appropriate member of staff you trust
Explain what has caused you concern and allow the appropriate people to advise on the next steps.
If somebody is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services by calling 999.
Staying Safe When Raising a Concern
Your own safety is important.
If you believe somebody may be experiencing exploitation:
Do not confront somebody you believe may be responsible.
Do not put yourself at risk.
Do not attempt to gather additional evidence yourself.
Share what you have already seen or heard through an appropriate safeguarding route.
Explain the situation honestly without making assumptions.
Seek urgent assistance if someone is in immediate danger.
You do not need to have every detail before speaking to someone.
Why Raising Awareness Matters
Understanding modern slavery and human trafficking can help people:
Develop a clearer understanding of exploitation
Challenge myths and misconceptions
Recognise circumstances that could cause concern
Understand why someone may struggle to seek help
Respond without judgement
Know when to raise a safeguarding concern
Avoid putting themselves at risk by attempting to investigate independently
Awareness can help people understand that exploitation may occur in different circumstances and may not always be immediately obvious.
Next Steps and Support
If You Are Concerned About Yourself
Speak to an appropriate person you trust or use an established support or reporting service. The UK Government's modern slavery service provides a reporting route for members of the public and potential victims. [modernslavery.gov.uk]
If You Are Concerned About Another Person
Share what you have noticed through an appropriate safeguarding or reporting route. Avoid confronting someone you believe may be responsible or attempting to investigate the circumstances yourself.
If You Are an LSP Learner
Speak to your:
LSP tutor
Support Coach
LSP Safeguarding Team
Another appropriate member of staff you trust
If Someone Is in Immediate Danger
Call 999.
Explore LSP's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Resources
LSP's Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking resources provide further information about:
Modern slavery
Human trafficking
Different forms of exploitation
Common myths and misconceptions
Potential warning signs
Raising concerns safely
Safeguarding and available support
These resources can be used alongside the information on this page to develop a wider understanding of the topic.
Key Takeaways
Remember:
Modern slavery involves serious exploitation and control.
Human trafficking involves people being recruited or moved for exploitation.
Exploitation is not always immediately visible.
There is no single warning sign that proves someone is experiencing modern slavery.
Avoid making assumptions about somebody's circumstances.
Someone experiencing exploitation may find asking for help difficult.
Do not confront someone or investigate a concerning situation yourself.
LSP learners can raise concerns with their tutor, Support Coach or Safeguarding Team.
Call 999 if somebody is in immediate danger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is modern slavery?
Modern slavery is a broad term covering serious forms of exploitation in which people can experience control over their choices and circumstances. UK Government guidance provides detailed information on identifying and supporting potential victims. [gov.uk]
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking involves people being recruited or moved for the purpose of exploitation.
What are potential warning signs of exploitation?
Possible concerns can include restricted movement, another person controlling identity documents, receiving little or no payment, unsuitable living or working conditions and appearing closely controlled by another person. No single indicator proves that exploitation is taking place.
Should I investigate if I am concerned about someone?
No. Do not put yourself at risk by confronting somebody or attempting to investigate independently. Share what you have noticed through the appropriate safeguarding or reporting route.
Where can I report concerns about modern slavery?
Members of the public and potential victims can use the UK Government's modern slavery reporting service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. [modernslavery.gov.uk]
Summary
Modern slavery and human trafficking involve serious forms of exploitation that may not always be easy to recognise.
Developing an understanding of exploitation, challenging misconceptions and recognising potential warning signs can help people identify circumstances that may require safeguarding support.
You are not expected to investigate a situation yourself. If something causes concern, raise it through an appropriate safeguarding or reporting route. Most importantly, do not put yourself or somebody else at additional risk.
