Would you recognise the signs of modern slavery? Modern slavery and human trafficking is a growing - Monday 04 February 2019

By Hartlepool Alert

Would you recognise the signs of modern slavery? Modern slavery and human trafficking is a growing issue affecting men, woman and children. Victims are viewed as a commodity and are exploited over and over again either sexually, criminally or for their labour. Modern slavery is a hidden crime but its happening all around us in our towns and cities and in our countryside too. PHYSICAL APPEARANCE Victims may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, look malnourished or unkempt, or appear withdrawn ISOLATION Victims may rarely be allowed to travel on their own, seem under the control, influence of others, rarely interact or appear unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work POOR LIVING CONDITIONS Victims may be living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation, and or living and working at the same address FEW OR NO PERSONAL EFFECTS Victims may have no identification documents, have few personal possessions and always wear the same clothes day in day out. What clothes they do wear may not be suitable for their work RESTRICTED FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT Victims have little opportunity to move freely and may have had their travel documents retained, e.g. passports UNUSUAL TRAVEL TIMES They may be dropped off collected for work on a regular basis either very early or late at night RELUCTANT TO SEEK HELP Victims may avoid eye contact, appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers and fear law enforcers for many reasons, such as not knowing who to trust or where to get help, fear of deportation, fear of violence to them or their family. What can you do? If you or another person is in immediate danger you should dial 999 If you are a victim of modern slavery, or suspect slavery is happening near you and there is no immediate threat to life you can Call Cleveland Police on 101 Report it by calling the Modern Slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700 which is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week Report it online at httpsmodernslavery.co.ukcontact.html Contact Crimetoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 For more information and for details of other agencies who can offer help and support go to httpsmodernslavery.co.ukneedhelp.html

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