Modern slavery and Discovery

Modern slavery is the illegal exploitation of people for personal or commercial gain. It covers a wide range of abuse and exploitation including sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced labour, criminal exploitation and organ harvesting.

Victims of modern slavery can be any age, gender, nationality and ethnicity. They are tricked or threatened into work and may feel unable to leave or report the crime through fear or intimidation. They may not recognise themselves as a victim.

Modern slavery could be happening in your community so it's important you know the signs that could indicate someone is a victim of this crime.

The signs aren't always obvious but there are some that you may notice:

• do they look scruffy, malnourished or injured?
• are they acting anxious, afraid or unable to make eye contact?
• are they doing long hours, wearing unsuitable clothing or have the wrong equipment for the job?
• is where they are living overcrowded, poorly maintained or are the curtains always closed?
• do they behave like they're being instructed by someone else, picked up/dropped off at the same time and place every day or don't have access to money or identification?

Communities have an important role to play in recognising abuse. If you recognise any of the above signs and suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery, tell someone. You will always be taken seriously and protection and support is available.

To report a suspicion or seek advice you can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700. This is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You can also report online or call us on 101 at any time to report an incident.

Should you wish to remain anonymous you can contact Crimestoppers or call 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 if there is a crime in action or immediate threat to life.

Discovery

Discovery; a Hastings & Rother multi-agency task force which aims to expose hidden crime in the local area. Driven by Sussex police jointly funded by the 24 partners on board including Non-Governmental Organisations; shortly to be rolled out pan-Sussex.

Safeguarding those affected a priority, the majority of those who have been assisted don't believe that they are victims. Victims are often placed in a safe house run by Salvation Army.

Good sharing of intelligence and free discussion one of the strengths of Discovery's multi agency working.

Useful Contact details for Discovery:

• Emergency or in doubt : 999 or 101 (non emergency)
• Help and Advice: Modern Slavery Helpline 0800 0121 700
• Adult Victim Referral: Salvation Army 0300 303 8151
• NRM Referral: MSHTU (National Crime Agency) 0844 778 2406
• Advice on Children: NSPCC 0808 800 5000
• Advice Child MS & HT: CTAIL NSPCC 0800 107 7057
  DISCOVERY - Discovery.HandR@Sussex.police.uk