In the past few months, we have been increasingly hearing reports of people being convicted of modern slavery offences. Since May 2017, the UK's Gangmasters and Labour Abuse (GUAA) anti slavery body, have launched 185 slavery investigations* after being given more powers to investigate labour abuse and exploitation in the UK labour market. Worldwide, the 2017 Estimates of Modern Slavery report by the UN's International Labour Organisation (ILO) calculates 40.3 million people are trapped in slavery* , although this figure may be a lot higher. Shocking statistics in today's society. But how many of us are aware of what defines slavery? What categories of slavery are there? What help is available to victims?
Modern Slavery is categorised into the following: - Forced Labour - Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking - Domestic Servitude - Child Abuse - Organ Harvesting - Criminal Activities - Forced Marriage
Would you know what signs to look for if someone was trapped in slavery? Would you know how to report any concerns?
There are some excellent charities who are trying to raise awareness alongside rescuing and supporting victims as well as being a place where you can report concerns. For further information on what slavery is, what's being done to tackle the problem or for further information please see the links below.
