Modern slavery is closer than you think.
To mark national Anti-Slavery Day tomorrow (18 October), the Safer Slough Partnership is reminding everyone of what modern slavery is and what it can look like.
Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. Adult and child victims are trapped in servitude, which they were deceived or coerced into, and they feel they cannot leave.
Modern slavery includes sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude. It happens across the world and UK. It is also happening in Slough. Victims can come from any country. They can also be British citizens.
Councillor Balvinder Bains, lead member for public protection, regulation and enforcement, said: “The Safer Slough Partnership has run an awareness campaign about modern slavery for many years, including an award-winning campaign in 2018. This involved putting posters in public spaces in English, Polish, Romanian, Urdu and Punjabi, to inform residents this could be happening on their doorstep.
“Very sadly, this issue is one which hasn’t gone away. There are still people living and working in poor conditions, being exploited, and threatened if they try to leave.
“We want people to have a voice and to report their concerns so we can stop this happening to more people. If you think you know of someone who may be a victim of modern slavery, or believe you are a victim yourself, report it now – there is help available.”
Help is available through the Modern Slavery helpline. You can report concerns or ask for help by calling 0800 0121 700.
For further information visit unseenuk.org