Modern Slavery: Spot the Signs

This weekend marks international Anti-Slavery Day, on Sunday 18 October 2020.

Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton is reminding everyone that slavery is not a thing of the past but continues to blight Scotland’s communities:

It is up to all of us to Spot the Signs, to help those being exploited, to stand against traffickers and protect our communities.

Human Trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings, both adults and children, for the purpose of commercial exploitation.

Victims of human trafficking are often the most vulnerable members of a community however, there is no such thing as a typical victim.

Victims are known to come from numerous continents such as Asia, Africa and (Eastern) Europe. They may arrive in your community after being kidnapped, smuggled or tricked by a friend offering a job and the opportunity of a new life, however soon discover that their lives are not their own and are forced into a life of exploitation with no way of escaping.

Trafficking victims are often forced into prostitution, exploitative labour, the illegal drugs trade, stealing or domestic slavery to pay back the debt that traffickers claim they owe them for travel. Victims are trapped in this life with limited freedom or options. They regularly have their identity documents removed and are often subjected to physical and mental abuse, torture and rape.

Human Trafficking exists in communities across Scotland and also can involve people who are resident legally in the country. The industry of trafficking people has become so sophisticated that it often goes unnoticed and assistance from the public is crucial to identify potential signs of Human Trafficking within your community and reporting any concerns to the police.

You do not have to report concerns to the police – you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Potential Signs of Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking can happen anywhere, victims could be living next to you. Look for the signs:

Sexual Exploitation

• Multiple female foreign nationals living at the same address.
• Occupants are rarely seen outside.
• Occupants of premises change regularly.
• Male callers day and night staying for only a short time.
• Sexual debris such as condoms, call cards, advertisements.

Forced Labour/Domestic Servitude

Migrant workers who have the right to free movement in and around the United Kingdom, but have limitations placed on their employment may be exploited through Industries such as agriculture, factories, hotels and restaurants.

• Large number of foreign nationals living in the same address.
• Occupants change regularly.
• Van transported at unusual times of the day and/or night.
• Workers movements are monitored and/or controlled by others.
• Workers may seem fearful of employers, police or any other external agency and poorly integrate with the wider community.
• Employers, or someone else, is holding their passport and/or legal documents.
• Workers have no days off or holiday time.
• Workers display signs of physical abuse i.e. bruises, cuts and signs of untreated medical problems.
• Workers display signs of malnutrition, dehydration, exhaustion and poor personal hygiene.

Domestic Servitude is where an adult or child is forced into the role of a servant. This often occurs within a residential address. Signs to look out for include:

• The person is rarely allowed out of the house, unless their employer or guardian is with them.
• They have no private space or a proper place to sleep i.e. on the floor or sofa.
• They have a poor diet or are given the family’s leftover food to eat.
• They are subject to mental, physical, sexual abuse, threats or other cruelty.
• A child, may have poor attendance at school, no access to education and no time to play with its peers.
• There is no interaction with the family, friends or other authorities.

If you suspect there are people who have been trafficked into your community or you have concerns about an adult or child whom you think may be being exploited, please report this to Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, where your call will be treated in confidence.