Buckinghamshire Council supports drive to raise awareness of modern slavery

Last week, on Anti-Slavery Day, the Anti-Slavery Networks for Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, held a day-long conference in Oxford. Attendees heard from experts on the subject and shared information and best practice.

Although local figures are not available, it is estimated around 136,000 people in the UK are trapped in conditions of modern slavery which can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, ethnicity or gender.

Anti-Slavery Day takes place every year and encourages everyone to think about what they can do to prevent human trafficking and protect victims of modern-day slavery and exploitation.

Members of the public are asked to look out for the key signs of modern slavery which include:

• Appearance: Victims may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, look malnourished or unkempt, or appear withdrawn.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 be living and working at the same address.
• Few or no personal belongings: 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 passports retained.
• Unusual travel times: They may be dropped off/collected for work on a regular basis either very early or late at night.
• Reluctance 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.

Steve Bowles, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Modern slavery is happening right here and now, and we want to make sure people know the signs to look out for and know how to raise the alarm. No-one should have to live that way and we are committed to working together with our partners to support victims and stamp out modern slavery for good.”

Buckinghamshire Council has recently updated its Modern Slavery Statement which sets out the steps it is taking to prevent modern slavery in its operations and supply chains. You can view the statement online. During the week leading up to and beyond Anti-Slavery Day, further awareness was raised through a variety of communication, including articles within local publications and social media content. In addition to communicating with residents, the council shared advice and best-practice with partners and colleagues, along with guidance on training opportunities available.

The Police and Crime Commissioner has set up a specialist unit to support work around modern slavery. The Victims First Specialist Service (VFSS) provides specialist support for victims and witnesses of exploitation and modern slavery. The service employs exploitation specialists to work with victims often in long-term interventions to help them rebuild their lives. If you would like to find out more or make a referral into the service please visit the Victims First website or talk to a member of the team directly on 01844 487987.

More information to support you in spotting the signs for other forms of exploitation, including child exploitation, can be found online – www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/about/spot-the-signs

Anyone with concerns can call:

• If concerned about a child or children call Buckinghamshire Council’s First Response Team on 01296 383962
• If concerned about a vulnerable adult call Buckinghamshire Council’s Safeguarding Adults Team on 0800 137 915