Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe is supporting World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024, raising awareness about how to spot the signs and the support that is available across the county to victims.
Human trafficking involves the recruitment or movement of people for exploitation by the use of threat, force, fraud, or the abuse of vulnerability. Men, women and children may be trafficked for various purposes.
In Warwickshire Philip Seccombe has commissioned the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network to provide an Independent Modern Slavery Advocate service. This works with partners including the police and local authorities to help raise community awareness and train front line staff and practitioners, with the purpose of reducing the threat of modern slavery and trafficking across the county.
The aim is to protect communities and make them more resilient to modern slavery, with prevention activity to reduce the risk of becoming involved in exploitation.
Crucially, the service also helps provide support to victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, to help them cope and recover from their ordeal.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe said:
“Modern slavery and human trafficking are familiar terms to many people but often they are thought of as things that happen elsewhere. The reality is they are happening everywhere across the globe, including right here in Warwickshire.
“At its simplest, the terms mean the illegal exploitation of people for personal or financial gain. This can operate in plain sight in familiar places such as shops, nail bars and car washes, so it is important that we raise awareness among the public of what to look out for and how to report concerns.
“Equally, it’s vitally important that the right help and support is available for the victims of this horrendous crime and that’s why I am proud to commission the work of the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network into Warwickshire.”
Robin Brierley, Executive Director of the West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network said:
“Today is World Against Trafficking in Persons Day and we want to use this as a reminder that the exploitation of people isn’t just something that happens in other countries it very much happens in the UK, Warwickshire and West Midlands on a daily occurrence. The exploitation of UK nationals, in particular children for sexual and criminal exploitation is now the most common type of exploitation in the United Kingdom.
“We all have a responsibility to identify potential victims and protect our communities from harm. Young people are the future of our communities, business and education.
“Public services are reliant upon members of the public helping identify potential victims by raising concerns if they suspect someone is being exploited for sexual, labour or criminal purposes. There is a lot of support available to potential victims and early intervention is crucial for long term recovery.”
Spotting the signs
Someone being trafficked may:
- Show signs of being controlled and dependent
- Show signs of trauma including psychological and physical
- Act fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid
- Have no passport or someone else is holding their passport/ID documents
- Act fearful of police/authorities
- Have little or no contact with family or loved ones
It’s important to note these are not the only signs of trafficking – for more information please visit: https://westmidlandsantislavery.org/
How To Report A Concern
The West Midlands Anti-Slavery Network has a wealth of information on how to spot the signs of modern slavery and human trafficking, as well as information for victims and survivors. You can find out more at: westmidlandsantislavery.org.
If you or someone you know is a victim of any form of exploitation, or you suspect someone may be at risk of exploitation, you can contact your local District or Borough Council, or Warwickshire Police on 101. In an emergency call 999.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent Modern Slavery Helpline to report any suspicions or concerns about individuals, premises or locations. Businesses can also call for advice. Call 0800 0121 700 or report www.modernslaveryhelpline.org.
