Modern Slavery

Modern slavery exists in many forms in the UK. 

Sexual or criminal exploitation is usually linked to other forms of abuse or crime, this could be:

  • Trafficking (moving a person from one location to another to exploit them)
  • Domestic slavery or forced labour (like cannabis farming, construction work, shops, bars, nail bars, car washes or manufacturing)
  • County lines
  • Gangs
  • Cuckooing (when your home is taken over by others and usually used for criminal activity such as selling drugs)

If you're a victim of modern day slavery, or know someone who is, and there's an emergency that's ongoing or life is in danger, call 999 now.

For those with hearing or speech impairment, use the Essex Police textphone service 18000 or text 999 if you’ve pre-registered with the emergencySMS service.

Reporting concerns

If you suspect modern slavery is taking place you can report it:

  • online to Essex Police
  • by calling 101 (If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service on 18001 101)
  • in the safety of your local police station (if you require a translator, Police can provide someone initially by phone and later in person) 

Suspicions can also be reported to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or to the 24-hour Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.

Professionals can use the Essex Police Partner Sharing Form to share non-urgent intelligence.  If you are a front-line professional and require this form please contact us for a copy.

Adult Social Care

If you are being abused in relation to your care and support needs, contact Adult Social Care.

ESSEX

Telephone: 0345 603 7630
Online reporting: safeguarding portal 
Textphone: 0345 758 5592

SOUTHEND

Telephone: 01702 215008 (Out of hours: 0345 606 1212) 
Online reporting:  https://www.livewellsouthend.com/care-support-adults

THURROCK

Telephone: 01375 511000 | email: Thurrock.First@thurrock.gov.uk

Home Office 

The national referral mechanism is used to identify and refer potential victims of modern slavery and make sure they receive appropriate support. Specific public authorities have a duty to notify the Secretary of State of any person identified in England and Wales as a suspected victim of slavery or human trafficking. 

Call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700 or report it online. 

For more information on spotting the signs of modern slavery and what you can do, please visit Unseen. 

Organisations providing victim support and advice.

Barnardos
Provide advice and advocacy for exploited children.
www.barnardos.org.uk

Justice and Care
Provide victim care navigators to support victims of modern slavery when first identified.
www.justiceandcare.org

Migrant Help
Supporting asylum seekers, refugees and victims of modern slavery. Provide advice and support. through the victim care contract.
www.migranthelpuk.org

Modern Slavery Helpline
For advice or to report concerns. Translation service available.
www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

The Salvation Army (Modern Slavery Unit)
For advice or to report concerns.
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/modernslavery