World Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings
Wednesday, 05 August 2015
anti slavery world day
When people ask me questions about modern slavery and human trafficking, often I am asked, "How can I tell if someone is a victim?". There is no exact science. Knowing if someone is a human trafficking victim is similar to finding out if someone is being abused. There are some definite warning signs to look for and questions to ask.

 

 

"Every country must join together to overcome this transnational threat by supporting and protecting victims while pursuing and prosecuting the criminals. On the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us resolve to act as one in the name of justice and dignity for all."

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

When people ask me questions about modern slavery and human trafficking, often I am asked, "How can I tell if someone is a victim?"

In the lead up to the United Nations ‘World Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings’ on 30th July 2015, I explored the signs that we can all look out for to better identify potential victims and published them on Facebook and Twitter using the hash tag ‘KnowtheSigns’.

There is no exact science. Knowing if someone is a human trafficking victim is similar to finding out if someone is being abused. There are some definite warning signs to look for and questions to ask. You may never find or report a case of human trafficking, but if you know what to look for and how to report it, you can be aware of your surroundings and know what to do if you notice something suspicious.




Sexual Exploitation: Signs may include –
Work in various areas across a town/country;
Have no cash of their own;
Work long hours with little time off;
Live in the same place as they work;
Only know sex-related words in the local language &
Have tattoos/scars indicating ownership.
#KnowtheSigns ‪#‎StopSlaveryToday‬



Labour Exploitation: Signs may include –
Live in groups in the same place as they work;
Not dressed adequately for the work they do;
Have no access to their earnings;
Work excessively long hours;
Be subjected to insults, abuse threats and violence;
Be unable to move freely &
Have no labour contract. 
#KnowtheSigns ‪#‎StopSlaveryToday‬



Criminal Exploitation: Signs may include –
Children, elderly persons or disabled migrants who tend to beg in public places;
Unaccompanied minors who have been 'found' by an adult of the same ethnicity or nationality;
Live as gang members with adults who are not their parents;
Persons deceived into working in criminal enterprises such as cannabis factories &
Show obvious signs of being abused such as cuts and bruises.
#KnowtheSigns #StopSlaveryToday



Domestic Servitude: Signs may include –
Living with a family but with no private space;
Never or rarely leave the house for social reasons;
Sleep in a shared or inappropriate space;
Be given only leftovers to eat &
Employer is holding any passport or identity documents
‪#KnowtheSigns #‎StopSlaveryToday‬



Forced Labour/Debt Bondage: Signs may include –
Threat or actual physical harm;
Restriction of movement or confinement;
Paid very little or nothing at all because of 'debt' deductions;
Withheld identity documents;
Poor or non-existent health and safety standards &
Imposed place of accommodation.
 ‪#KnowtheSigns #‎StopSlaveryToday‬



Child Exploitation: Signs may include –
Be unaccompanied despite their young age;
Have no access to education;
Have no friends of their own age;
Look intimidated;
Behave in a manner which is not typical of a child of that age &
Be engaged in work or household chores unsuitable to their age.
 ‪#KnowtheSigns #‎StopSlaveryToday‬



General Indicators in people who have been trafficked may include –
Not know their home or work address;
Allow others to speak for them when addressed directly;
Act is if instructed by someone else;
Be disciplined through punishment;
Show fear or anxiety;
Be distrustful of authorities &
Have limited or no contact with their families.
‪#KnowtheSigns #‎StopSlaveryToday‬
 

View our archive

Perhaps there is hope after all?    27 October 23
Needless and Pointless Prosecution    23 October 23
Voice of Islam Radio    20 June 23
Issues of Modern Slavery    06 March 23
How often do migrants die entering the UK?    25 October 19
2018 UK Annual Report on Modern Slavery    30 October 18
TISC Report Member    24 October 18
The Transparency In Supply Chains    27 July 18
Workshop on Aviation and Hospitality Sectors' Response to Combatting Modern Slavery    26 June 18
Expert Witness Function    26 January 18
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery    02 December 17
HMIC slams UK police’s response to Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking    25 October 17
Speaking on Radio Sputnik's World Service    15 August 17
The UK’s ‘Inexcusable’ Failures in Support for Victims    04 May 17
Ethical Employment in Supply Chains    21 March 17
UK Modern Slavery Helpline and Resource Centre    21 March 17
Voice of Islam Radio Station    08 December 16
UK Anti-Slavery Day & Wales Anti-Slavery Conference 2016    27 October 16
500 Twitter Followers!    04 April 16
Grace as Justice    04 April 16
Modern Slavery Forum    15 February 16
How to Avoid Forced Labour in your Supply Chain    08 February 16
Tackling Modern Slavery in the Hotel Sector in Wales    26 January 16
Transparency in Supply Chains – A Practical Guide    17 November 15
Home Office Notification of Modern Slavery Cases    11 November 15
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner – Strategic Plan 2015-17    30 October 15
Steps Companies Should Take    13 October 15
Modern Slavery Act 2015    12 October 15
How widespread is forced labour in the UK    07 October 15
Typology Of Forced Labour    03 October 15
The Requirement for Transparency in Supply Chains    01 October 15
The 2015 International Association of Women Police conference    04 September 15
Diverse Cymru - Radio Cardiff interview    27 August 15
World Day Against Trafficking in Human Beings    05 August 15
#KnowTheSigns    24 July 15
Wales Anti-Slavery Conference 2015    20 July 15
Welsh Assembly Government Anti-Slavery Conference    17 June 15
7 days and 7 faces of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking    12 June 15
Tackling Hidden Labour Exploitation - Stronger Together Exeter Event    28 April 15
Human Trafficking Event    22 April 15
The Modern Slavery Bill is now law    22 April 15