Modern slavery

Modern slavery could be happening in your community.

The signs aren’t always obvious but there are some that you may notice.

Do they:

  • look scruffy, malnourished or injured?
  • behave like they’re being instructed by someone else, picked up/dropped off at the same time and place every day or don’t have access to money or identification?

Are they:

  • acting anxious, afraid or unable to make eye contact?
  • doing long hours, wearing unsuitable clothing or have the wrong equipment for the job?
  • living somewhere that is overcrowded, poorly maintained or are the curtains always closed?

Report it

Communities have an important role to play in recognising abuse.

If you recognise any of the above signs and suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery, please speak out.

You will always be taken seriously, and protection and support are available.

To report a suspicion or seek advice you can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700. This is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You can also raise a concern about an adult or a child to West Sussex County Council social care.

As well as the ways above, you can also report to Sussex Police online or call them on 101 at any time to report an incident. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use their textphone service on 18001 101.

Should you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Useful links, further advice and support

Modern Slavery Helpline - Information and advice on modern slavery

The Salvation Army - Immediate and intensive support to ensure victims of trafficking are given the best possible chance of recovery

Migrant Help - Support services for adult victims of human trafficking

Kalayaan - Advice, advocacy, and support services for migrant domestic workers

Medaille Trust - Helps women, young men and children who have been freed from human trafficking

Stop the Traffik - Works to unite people around the world by inspiring, informing, equipping and mobilising communities to; know what human trafficking is, know how to identify it and know how to respond appropriately if they saw it

National Crime Agency (NCA) - The NCA leads the UK’s fight to cut serious and organised crime, protecting the public by targeting and pursuing those criminals who pose the greatest risk to the UK

Modern Slavery Helpline (Unseen) App

The Modern Slavery Helpline, operated by Unseen, has released an app to make reporting to their helpline even easier.

The app provides a guide to recognising the signs of modern slavery and makes reporting concerns easier.

It was developed by the helpline's founding partner, BT.

The app can be downloaded from your app store by searching 'Unseen UK'.