Modern slavery and human trafficking
If someone’s life or safety is in danger right now, call 999.
About modern slavery
Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain.
It happens when someone is:
- forced by threats or violence to work for little or no pay
- given no power to control what work they do or where they do it
It can include:
- sexual exploitation
- forced labour
- slavery
- domestic slavery (also called domestic servitude)
- debt bondage
- criminal exploitation
- organ removal
- forced begging
- forced benefit fraud
- forced marriage
- illegal adoption
About human trafficking
Human trafficking is when someone moves or recruits another person by deception or coercion to exploit them.
Ways people do this can include:
- using threats or force
- coercion
- fraud
- deception
- abuse of a position of vulnerability
- giving payments or benefits
- abduction
The movement could be international but does not have to be. It could also be within the country, from one city to another or a few streets away.
A person can be a victim of human trafficking even if no one has hurt or used them yet. If they were moved to another place so someone could use them, that still counts as trafficking.
If someone is forced into slavery but not trafficked, they're still a victim of modern slavery.
Adults and children can be victims.
These are serious crimes that can put someone’s life in danger. If it’s happening now, call the police.
How to report modern slavery and human trafficking.
Spot the signs of modern slavery
The UK charity, Unseen has advice on how to spot the signs of modern slavery.