Modern slavery and human trafficking
Modern slavery and human trafficking can affect anyone of any age, gender or nationality. It involves the control of people by force, threat or deception to exploit them. It is the illegal movement of a person into or within a country.
What is human trafficking and modern slavery
Modern slavery is where a person controls another through the use of force, coercion, deception or abuse of vulnerability, for the purpose of exploitation.
Human Trafficking is where a person arranges or facilitates the travel or recruitment of another person, with a view to that person being exploited (travel can include from one house to another).
Adults and children can be trafficked or enslaved and forced to sell their bodies for sex. People are also trafficked or enslaved for labour exploitation.
Examples of exploitation are:
- labour exploitation ( like working on a farm, factory, nail bar or car wash)
- criminal exploitation (like working in a cannabis factory)
- domestic servitude (like working in a house as a servant, maid or nanny
- sexual exploitation (being forced to sell their bodies for sex)
- organ harvesting (forced to donate an organ)
- child criminal and sexual exploitation (being forced to carry drugs or weapons or forced into sexual activity)
- online exploitation
Where children have been trafficked and exploited this is an offence, even if no force or threats have been used and the child has given consent.
Signs to look out for
Victims of modern slavery and human trafficking are found in different situations. These are certain signs that show someone has been trafficked or enslaved.
General signs
People who have been trafficked or enslaved may believe that they must work against their will. They might receive little or no payment and be unable to leave their work environment. Trafficked and enslaved victims may be subjected to violence or threats of violence against themselves or others, and they may not have their passport or other documents.
Children
Child exploitation is a form of child abuse. It is illegal and needs to be reported as a child protection issue.
Children and young people from all walks of life may be vulnerable to exploitation.
Certain circumstances or experiences can heighten a young person’s risk of being targeted.
Exploitation is often hidden, complex, and deliberately concealed by those responsible, making early identification challenging. Signs may include unexplained possessions or money, showing signs of fear, injury or alcohol/drug misuse, skipping school, going missing or involvement in civil unrest or public disorder.
Children who have been trafficked or enslaved may have no access to their parents or guardians. They may look frightened and behave in a way that is not normal for children of their age. They may have no access to education and might travel in groups with people who are not relatives.
If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person contact the Gateway Service.
Key Contact Numbers by Trust Area
- South Eastern Trust: 0300 100 0300
- Belfast Trust: 028 9050 7000
- Northern Trust: 0300 1234 333
- Southern Trust: 0800 783 7745
- Western Trust: 028 7131 4090
Emergency out-of-hours cover (evenings, weekends, bank holidays) is available on 028 9504 9999.
Sexual exploitation
People who have been trafficked or enslaved for sexual exploitation may move from one house to the next, work in various locations or advertised online. They might live or travel in a group, sometimes with others who do not speak the same language.
Evidence that someone has had unprotected or violent sex, or that they cannot refuse unprotected or violent sex, may also be an indicator that they have been trafficked or enslaved for sexual exploitation.
Labour exploitation
People who have been trafficked or enslaved for labour exploitation may live in groups in the same place where they work and leave those premises infrequently, if at all. They might not be dressed adequately for the work they do, have no labour contract, work excessively long hours, or lack basic training and professional licences. They might also be subjected to insults, abuse, threats or violence.
If you suspect someone has been trafficked or enslaved
If you suspect that someone has been trafficked or enslaved:
- call 999 in an emergency
- call 101 about the general situation
- call 0800 0121 700 for the Modern Slavery Helpline
Support for victims
Some people are not aware they are victims of modern slavery or human trafficking. You can learn more about the signs, rights and what help is available.