Modern Slavery in Todays Society DOMESTIC ABUSE TRAINING

Modern Slavery in Today’s Society DOMESTIC ABUSE TRAINING MEETING, 10 TH MARCH 2021

Introduction – the Adavu Project The Adavu Project project of the Methodist Church (Birmingham District) Set up 2011 initially for signposting, training and awareness raising Now also running an after-care support service to adult survivors – men + women Supported around 150 survivors

Introduction What is modern slavery? Extent of modern slavery Signs to look for What you can do about it Adavu’s work

It’s here in the UK. It’s here in our city of Birmingham. It’s here in our community of Hall Green.

What is modern slavery? Exploits often the most vulnerable – § Men, women, children, all races, all nationalities § Robs victims of freedom, hope, a fulfilled life

What is Modern Slavery? Includes trafficking and exploitation Movement (or lack of) of the victim – it does not need to be across borders Involves coercion: § Violence § Fraud § Deception – “Want a job? ” § Abuse of power § Blackmail and threats Ø For the purpose of exploiting the victim

To note Modern slavery is not domestic abuse but there is often a grey area or ‘overlap’ – e. g. forced marriage Survivors of modern slavery can often be vulnerable victims of domestic abuse before being exploited – but not always.

Types of modern slavery – forced labour

Types of modern slavery – sexual exploitation

Types of modern slavery – domestic servitude

Types of modern slavery Forced Marriage Benefit fraud Forced criminality – pickpocketing, cannabis farms, shoplifting County Lines

Extent of Modern Slavery Huge global business with massive profits: An estimated 40 million people were living in modern slavery around the world in 2016 (Global Index of Slavery) Often high-level criminal gangs and fraternities `Modern slavery and human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal industries’ according to the UN, March 2019 “This is the greatest human rights issue of our time” (T May, July 2016), echoed by UN March 2019

Modern Slavery in the UK 10, 627 reported potential victims in the UK in 2019 Growing Estimates of “at least 100, 000 victims in 2017” (Centre for Social Justice 2020) UK-born and foreign citizens are victims

Signs to look out for Physical appearance – unkempt, malnourished, injuries Isolation – under control/influence of others Restricted Poor freedom of movement, no papers living conditions Unusual travel times Reluctant to see help

Signs to look out for Little understanding of their legal status Mistrustful of authorities and the Police Fearful Frequent Mental change of addresses ill health – depression, anxiety, PTSD

What can you do about it? Report suspicions: 999 if an emergency 101 if not urgent

National Modern Slavery Helpline www. modernslaveryhelpline. org

Salvation Army’s Helpline 0800 808 3733 Confidential, anonymous available 365 days a year, 24/7 with interpretation services where needed

Other tips Establish trust – do what you say you will do, fully listen and acknowledge what they are communicating Do not ask detailed questions about their exploitation – this may retraumatise them Ensure that they disclose in a confidential space away from anyone who may be accompanying them (they may be the perpetrator)

Many people find the issue of modern slavery overwhelming; the name Adavu is a reminder that whether we are victims, survivors, practitioners or community members, modern slavery is a deeply complex issue which can only be tackled one step at a time; and in collaboration.

Adavu: what we do Survivor support Raising awareness Advocating justice Building partnerships

Survivor Support Adult survivors of modern slavery in the West Midlands area Prioritise survivors who have been confirmed as victims 150 survivors supported since aftercare support began (5 years ago)

Supporting clients: first steps With client we identify the survivor’s immediate needs: Food, clothing, household items Access to healthcare Securing benefits Then we work on longer-term goals: Going to college Childcare Accessing employment or voluntary work Connecting to social networks and organisations

Kindness shows people care ‘Welcome Packs’ when moving to a new home Christmas gifts

Stories ‘S’ – abusive childhood, abusive relationship Groomed by a ‘friend’, fled DV Passport taken away, forced at gunpoint to swallow pellets to pay debts, put on plane and left. Forced criminality. Border Forces stopped and arrested her, pellets burst Imprisoned, MS charity found and supported her – criminal case stopped but negative NRM and Asylum claim.

Adavu’s support Court appeal Liaison with social services Moving to temporary and then permanent accommodation, LWP application, curtains Claimed benefits Entered college Arranged childcare Original dream: the Navy, but poor health Now, Forensic Scientist – studying key disciplines, top of class Accessing trauma counselling

Thanks for listening