The decrease in the number of modern slavery victims accessing government specialist support services in England and Wales is concerning. In the North West alone, 289 individuals were rescued and supported by The Salvation Army and its partners in the past year. This marks a decrease of 55 people compared to the previous year, highlighting the ongoing issue of modern slavery in the UK.
The Salvation Army has raised alarm over the successful efforts of criminals to keep people trapped in modern slavery, despite the abhorrent nature of this trade. The recent data released on Anti-Slavery Day reveals a 22 percent reduction in the overall number of individuals accessing modern slavery support services, a worrying trend that has not been seen in thirteen years.
One of the reasons behind this decline is the reluctance of victims to be referred to specialist support through the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). Recent legislative changes that associate modern slavery with immigration have instilled fear in victims, deterring them from seeking help from authorities. Moreover, stricter eligibility criteria have resulted in fewer people being recognized as victims, depriving them of essential support services.
Major Kathy Betteridge, director of anti-trafficking and modern slavery at The Salvation Army, emphasized that modern slavery should be viewed as a human rights issue rather than an immigration problem. It is crucial to recognize every individual exploited in slavery as a genuine victim of crime and provide them with the necessary support to break free from their oppressors.
In the past year, The Salvation Army assisted 2,741 potential victims of modern slavery, a significant decrease from the previous year. The types of exploitation experienced by these individuals varied, with forced labor being the most common at 64 percent, followed by sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, and domestic servitude.
Despite the challenges posed by legislative changes and fear among victims, The Salvation Army continues to provide vital support to those affected by modern slavery. Their confidential 24/7 referral helpline is available for anyone who suspects they or someone they know may be a victim of modern slavery and in need of assistance. It is essential for the community to come together to combat modern slavery, protect victims, and eradicate this heinous crime from our society.
