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The indicators of sex trafficking and modern slavery are important issues that non-profit organisations work hard to address. Groups that fight human trafficking help people in need and make our communities more just.

 

By recognizing the signs, supporting survivors, and changing unfair policies, we can move closer to a world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

KNOW THE SIGNS

Indicators of Exploitation

General Indicators of Exploitation

  1. Distrustful of authorities: Victims often fear the authorities due to threats from their exploiters or previous negative experiences.
     

  2. Signs of physical and psychological trauma: Trauma can manifest in physical injuries or psychological conditions like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
     

  3. Acting as if instructed by another: The individual may show signs of being controlled or directed by someone else.
     

  4. Passport or ID documents held by someone else: This is a common tactic to prevent victims from escaping or seeking help.
     

  5. Control over movement/unable to leave work environment: Restricting movement is a way to ensure the victim remains under control and cannot escape.
     

  6. Lack of access to medical care: Health care may be denied to prevent detection or due to the exploiters' disregard for the victim's well-being.
     

  7. Limited social contact and contact with family: Isolating the victim helps to prevent them from seeking help or support.
     

  8. Little money and deductions for food: Financial control is used to keep the victim dependent.
     

  9. Belief they must work against their will: Victims often believe they have no choice due to threats or manipulation.
     

  10. Threats of violence against victim and/or family: Used to instill fear and ensure compliance.
     

  11. Fear of revealing immigration status: Exploiters may use the victim's immigration status as leverage.
     

  12. Unfamiliar with language and unaware of work or home address: Language barriers and isolation prevent seeking help.

Indicators of Sexual Exploitation

  1. Signs of physical abuse: Indicates control and intimidation.
     

  2. Movement between brothels/alternate locations: Frequent relocation prevents forming support networks.
     

  3. Sleeping in work premises: Reflects the exploiters' control and disregard for well-being.
     

  4. Limited amounts of clothing or mainly sexual clothing: Indicates forced sexual activity.
     

  5. Vocabulary limited to sexual words: Suggests isolation and lack of normal social interaction.
     

  6. Victim looks forced or intimidated: Visible signs of distress.
     

  7. Sexual health issues/substance misuse: Consequences of exploitation.
     

  8. Controlled movement: Restricting freedom to ensure compliance.
     

  9. Working long hours: Reflects exploitation and lack of concern for well-being.
     

  10. Locks on internal doors/curtains drawn: Physical barriers to escape and isolation.

Indicators of Labour Exploitation

  1. Employer unable to produce necessary employment documents: Indicates illegal employment practices.
     

  2. Employer dictates all aspects of life: Control extends beyond work to personal life, reflecting a lack of freedom.
     

  3. Excessive wage reduction or withholding wages: Financial exploitation keeps victims dependent and compliant.
     

  4. Poor or non-existent health and safety equipment: Shows disregard for worker safety.
     

  5. Deductions for tools, food, or accommodation: Further financial exploitation.
     

  6. Living in unsuitable accommodation: Reflects the exploiters' disregard for the victims' well-being.
     

  7. No ID documents: Confiscating IDs prevents escape.
     

  8. Excessive working hours with few breaks: Indicates exploitation and lack of concern for worker health.
     

  9. Subject to insults/abuse: Abuse is used to control and intimidate.

Indicators of Domestic Servitude

  1. Held in employer's home for domestic tasks: Reflects control over the victim.
     

  2. Inability to leave house or monitored movements: Restricts freedom.
     

  3. Excessive working hours: Indicates exploitation.
     

  4. No access to personal belongings: Maintains control and prevents escape.
     

  5. Abusive employer: Physical and verbal abuse to control the victim.
     

  6. Deprivation of living space, food, water, or medical care: Indicates severe neglect and exploitation.

Indicators of Criminal Exploitation

  1. Moved to different locations but return nightly: Suggests forced involvement in illegal activities.
     

  2. Transported to crime scenes: Reflects organized exploitation.
     

  3. No benefit from crimes: Indicates coercion and exploitation.

Know the Signs

If you believe someone’s life is in danger, call 999.

 

If you have concerns call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700

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