Modern slavery

Helping survivors of modern slavery to rebuild their lives

An estimated 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery worldwide, and it’s happening right here in the UK too.

So we provide specialist support for survivors of modern slavery across England and Wales, and run a confidential referral helpline (0800 808 3733) that’s available 24/7.

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery is when someone is denied their freedom and exploited by criminals for profit.

Often, people become trapped while trying to escape poverty, persecution or conflict. Already vulnerable, they find themselves forced to live and work in appalling conditions – held against their will through violence, threats or fear.

Human trafficking: Moving, harbouring or receiving people through deception or threats to exploit them.
Forced labour: Making someone work against their will without pay, or for very little.
Domestic servitude: Forcing someone to do household chores in private homes, often for little or no pay, with restricted movement and no freedom.
Debt bondage (or bonded labour): Making someone work to pay off unrealistic or fabricated debts.
Criminal exploitation: Coercing someone into illegal acts, like drug trafficking or cannabis cultivation.
County lines: Forcing someone to export illegal drugs from major cities into smaller towns, or suburban and rural areas.
Cuckooing: Taking over someone’s home and using it as a base for drug dealing, sex work, or other illegal activities.
Sexual exploitation: Coercing someone into non-consensual sexual acts or forced prostitution.

Around 50 million men, women and children are trapped in modern slavery worldwide. That’s more than ever before in history – and it includes an estimated 122,000 people here in the UK.

This isn’t just in big cities – it’s in towns and villages too. It doesn’t just involve foreign nationals, but ruins the lives of thousands of British victims every year.

The truth is that modern slavery is happening in shops, nail bars and factories, on farms and building sites, up and down the country. And we believe that for every person successfully rescued, many more remain trapped and exploited

Modern slavery is often hidden in plain sight and it can be hard to spot the warning signs. But you should always trust your instincts and be wary if:

Someone looks frightened, unkempt, malnourished or has untreated injuries.
Someone isn’t sure of their own address.
Someone else is speaking for them, paying for their travel, or picking them up and dropping them off from work at unusual times.