Modern Slavery Services

Modern slavery is a diverse crime and can take place anywhere from private homes to apparently legitimate businesses such as nail bars, car washes, restaurants, factories and farms. There can be some common indicators however, and warning signs you might come across that someone is being exploited can include:

• physical signs such as appearing malnourished or unkempt, appearing nervous or paranoid, lacking health or dental care, signs of physical, psychological or sexual abuse;
• isolation: appearing to be under the control of others; being unfamiliar with the neighbourhood or where they work, or being isolated from the community;
• restricted freedom of movement such as not being allowed to travel alone, or being transported to work at unusual times;
• poor living conditions : living in dirty overcrowded conditions or living and working at the same place;
• lack of control, having few possessions or always wearing the same clothes; having no documentation; not being allowed to speak for themselves;
• reluctance to seek help: fear of law enforcement or statutory services for a number of reasons, such as not knowing where to get help, fear of deportation, fear of violence to them or their family.

You can read more about the signs of modern slavery here.

If think you are a victim of modern slavery or know someone who is, it is important that you report it to your local police by calling 101.

If you are reporting a potential victim, do not attempt to let the victim know you have reported it or confront the traffickers. You need to ensure their safety and yours.

If your agency is a first responder, you can make a referral into the National Referral Mechanism. You can find links to guidance below.

The NRM (National Referral Mechanism) is the UK framework for identifying victims of human trafficking or modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support. Potential victims must be referred to the NRM by an authorised agency known as a ‘first responder’, these include local authorities and police forces. You can find more information on the NRM here.

People who are referred to the NRM are granted a reflection and recovery period while their circumstances are investigated and during this time they have access to specialist support. BCWA provide the West Midlands region-wide support service as a subcontractor of the Salvation Army.