What is Modern Slavery?:
Modern slavery occurs when one person holds another person in compelled service. The term “modern slavery” includes human trafficking, slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour, and sexual exploitation. It is both a local and global issue that can affect anyone – irrespective of age, ethnicity, gender, or socio-economic status.
Although modern slavery is illegal in every country in the modern world, it is specifically criminalised in the UK under theModern Slavery Act 2015.
Facts and Figures*:
The International LabourOrganisation (ILO) estimates 40.3 million people are victims of modern slavery at any given time. Of the 40.3 million victims, women and children are disproportionately affected, with 71% of victims being female, and at least 1 in 4 victims being children. An estimated 24.9 million people are victims of forced labour, whilst an estimated 4.8 million people are subjected to sexual exploitation.
In the UK, estimates have been made that there are between 10,000 and 13,000 people living in conditions of modern slavery. In 2017, the police recorded a 159% increase in modern slavery offences and a 35% increase in referrals to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) since 2016.
In Hertfordshire, at least 119 people have been identified as modern slavery victims since 2009, with the number of identified victims growing annually. In 2015, for example, only 10 victims were identified in Hertfordshire. By 2016, however, the number grew to 26 victims, and by 2017, at least 47 victims were identified.
Authorities agree that current modern slavery statistics are significantly underestimated in light of the covert and criminal nature of modern slavery. Thus, the prevalence of modern slavery is much higher than reported.
Identifying Modern Slavery:
A non-exhaustive list of modern slavery signs include:
**Signs of Abuse / Living and Working Conditions / Isolation / Other Signs of Modern Slavery●Physically malnourished, unkempt, or neglected
●Untreated injuries
●Lack of healthcare
●Appearing anxious, agitated, or withdrawn
●Presenting as submissive, tense, nervous or paranoid
●Avoiding eye contact / ●Dirty, cramped, or overcrowded living accommodations or workspace
●Unpaid or paid very little
●Excessive work hours
●Unusual work restrictions (such as prohibited from taking breaks)
●Living or working at the same address
●Unsafe working conditions or gear / ●Restricted freedom of movement or confinement
●Unable to travel alone
●Spoken for by someone else
●Lack of control over finances or identification documents
●Rarely interacts with others / ●Unusual travel times or travel arrangements
●Reluctance to seek help
●Fear of law enforcement
●Missing identification documents
●Owes a large debt, unable to be paid off
●Lack of knowledge as to whereabouts
●Inconsistent stories
●Fear of deportation
Hertfordshire’s Response:
The Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership (“HMSP”) is Hertfordshire’s response to modern slavery. The partnership consists of approximately 40statutory and non-statutory agencies and charities, as well as senior level representatives from the County Council, Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, and the Police.
Coordinated by the Shiva Foundation (a corporate foundation addressing modern slavery in the UK), the HMSP has four primary goals: (1) prevent crime, (2) raise awareness about modern slavery, (3) identify, support, and protect victims, and (4) catch and prosecute criminals. The HMSP works proactively to increase training of front-line personnel, share key information between organisations, raise awareness, and coordinate a response to modern slavery.
In May 2017, the Hertfordshire Constabulary launched Operation Tropic, a separate police unit tasked with coordinating Hertfordshire’s response to modern slavery. To date, Operation Tropic has increased referrals and access to partnership services, in addition to supporting the work of the HMSP.
Reporting Modern Slavery:
●If you believe a person is a victim of modern slavery or is in immediate danger, call 999 straight away.
●To report concerns, get advice, or seek help, call the confidential UK Modern Slavery Helpline at 0800 012 1700 or visit thewebsite.
●Report suspicions of modern slavery by calling 101 or reporting through the website.
Get in Touch:
To learn more about modern slavery, review the “Additional Resources” below or contact [______] at [______] or by email at [______].[1]
* Facts and Figures obtained from the International LabourOrganisation, the Hertfordshire Constabulary, National Crime Agency, and the Home Office.
** Signs and symptoms gathered from the Hertfordshire Constabulary and Polaris.
Learn More – Additional Resources:
Information About the Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership and Operation Tropic:
●Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner:
●Operation Tropic:
Human Trafficking Organisations:
●Home Office ()
●Human Trafficking Foundation ()
●Unseen ()
●Salvation Army ()
●British Red Cross ()
●National Crime Agency ()
●Shiva Foundation ()
Additional Resources – Educational Videos:
●Anti-Slavery Commissioner:
●Home Office:
●National Crime Agency: or
●Crimestoppers:
●GangmastersLabour Abuse Authority:
Identifying Modern Slavery Victims:
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[1]This section should be completed by each partner organization so that interested individuals can reach the organization directly for any additional questions, comments, etc.