Modern slavery and human trafficking
Have you been affected by modern slavery or human trafficking?
Modern slavery is when someone is forced, tricked or controlled into a situation of exploitation. Human trafficking is when someone is moved or transported for the purpose of exploitation.
These are serious crimes that can happen to anyone. If you or someone you know has been affected, support is available.
Types of modern slavery and human trafficking
Labour exploitation
Being forced to work in poor conditions, for little or no pay and being unable to leave. This can happen in construction, agriculture, factories, car washes, nail bars, restaurants and care work.
Sexual exploitation
Being forced or pressured into prostitution or other sexual activity.
Criminal exploitation
Being forced to take part in criminal activity such as drug cultivation, transporting drugs, theft or begging.
Human trafficking
Human trafficking is when someone is moved or transported – either within the UK or from another country – for the purpose of exploitation. This movement may involve threats, force or deception.
People who are trafficked may:
- Have their documents taken away
- Be threatened or harmed if they try to leave
- Be isolated from family, friends or their community
- Be told they owe money for their travel or accomodation
- Be moved frequently between locations
Anyone can be a victim of modern slavery or trafficking, regardless of age, gender, nationality or background.
How you might be feeling
Experiencing modern slavery or trafficking can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health.
You might feel:
- Scared, anxious or traumatised
- Trapped or unable to escape
- Ashamed or worried about your immigration status
- Isolated from family and friends
- Unsure who to trust or where to turn for help
- Worried about what might happen if you speak out
If you’ve escaped a situation of exploitation, you may also be dealing with the effects of trauma and adjusting to a new situation.
However you’re feeling is valid. What happened to you is not your fault. Support is available.
Get the help you need
If you would like information, advice or emotional support, call us on 0800 876 6155. We can listen to what has happened and help you understand what support options are available.
You can get support whether or not you’ve reported what happened to the police.
Specialist support:
Modern Slavery Helpline – Confidential support and advice, 24 hours a day, in over 200 languages.
Phone: 08000 121 700
The Salvation Army – Provides support and safe accommodation for survivors of modern slavery.
Phone: 0800 808 3733
Unseen – Runs the Modern Slavery Helpline and provides support for victims of slavery and trafficking.
Medaille Trust – Supports survivors with safe housing and specialist support.
Phone: 0800 0699 916
If you’re worried about your immigration status:
Specialist immigration advisors can help. Contact Citizens Advice for free, confidential advice.
Reporting modern slavery or human trafficking
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
To report modern slavery or trafficking:
Call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 (available 24/7).
You can also report concerns to the police by calling 101 or reporting online through the Greater Manchester Police website.
Even if you decide not to report the crime, you can still receive help and support from us and from specialist organisations.
You can also share information anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is a charity that is independent of the police.
National Referral Mechanism (NRM)
If you’ve been a victim of modern slavery or trafficking, you may be eligible for support through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This can provide:
- Safe accomodation
- Financial support
- Medical care
- Legal advice
- Help with recovery
The Modern Slavery Helpline or specialist organisations can help you access this support.