Human trafficking is when someone is taken or controlled through lies or force, and then used for exploitation. It is also known as modern slavery and is a crime that affects millions of people worldwide, including in the UK. One way to understand trafficking is through the AMP model of:
- Action – what is done (such as recruitment and transport)
- Means – how it is done (such as threats and deception)
- Purpose – why it is done (such as exploitation)
Find the UN's definition of human trafficking on their website.
It isn’t necessary for someone to have been moved across an international country border for them to be a victim. They can have been moved, harboured and transported within the UK.
When children are trafficked, no violence, deception or coercion needs to be involved. Simply bringing them into exploitative conditions constitutes trafficking.
Trafficked people have little choice in what happens to them and often suffer abuse due to violence and threats made against them or their families. In effect, they become commodities owned by traffickers, used for profit.
How to spot signs of modern slavery
Modern slavery can take the form of:
- sexual exploitation
- domestic servitude
- forced labour
- criminal exploitation
For people working with children and young people it is important to look out for signs of:
- neglect through physical appearance
- isolation
- poor or dirty living conditions
- few personal belongings or documentation
- restricted freedom
- unusual travel times
- reluctance to seek help
Properties where modern slavery is taking place can often have:
- bars on windows
- reflective film or coating on windows
- permanently closed curtains
- CCTV
- multiple locks
- sealed letterbox
- services such as electricity being stolen
If there is an active crime or an emergency always call 999.
How to report modern slavery
How to prevent modern slavery
The Modern Slavery Act was introduced in July 2015. It allows for a maximum sentence of life for the most serious offences. The Act also created the role of Anti-Slavery Commissioner and requires certain public bodies, including local councils, to report potential victims to the National Crime Agency through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM).
Children’s services and partners across Dorset are working to safeguard young people but we need to work with parents, professionals and children themselves to gather, channel and properly asses all information available. You can help in passing relevant information to agencies who are charged with safeguarding our children, and help us focus on the most vulnerable and target those causing the most harm.