Modern slavery is a live issue for parishes across the Diocese.

According to 2021 Home Office data, there were 12,727 individuals identified as potential victims of modern slavery in the UK, with almost a third of these in London.

In reality these figures are likely to be much higher, with estimates of 136,000 people living in modern slavery in the UK today.

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery is an umbrella term for all forms of slavery, trafficking and exploitation. Modern slavery is a serious crime in which people are coerced or deceived into a situation where they are exploited, for the purpose of making a profit. The offence is punishable by up to life imprisonment under the 2015 Modern Slavery Act.

In London there are many forms of modern slavery, including trafficking for sexual exploitation (including prostitution, strip clubs, escort work and pornography), domestic servitude (including working as cleaners, carers or nannies) and forced labour in work such as nail bars and car washes.

Spotting the signs of Modern Slavery

There is no typical victim of modern slavery. Victims can be any age, gender, ethnicity or nationality. Victims can often face more than one type of abuse and slavery, for example being sold on to another trafficker and then forced into another form of exploitation.

However there are some common signs of modern slavery and exploitation which we can all be looking out for.

Trainings

Clewer Hidden Voices Training

The Diocese of London have previously hosted the four-part Clewer Hidden Voices Training. If you are interested in hosting or attending this training, please contact the Compassionate Communities Team.

The training aims:-

• To raise awareness in the church and its local community about the presence and impact of modern slavery in our local communities across the UK
• To equip churches and communities to take action in detecting and preventing modern slavery

All of the modules include Biblical reflections and practical tools and activities to help churches work alongside their community. There are also case studies that help people to see how they might already be coming across modern slavery without knowing it

A previous participant said this about the Hidden Voices course:

The Hidden Voices course highlighted the modern slavery happening right here on my doorstep and has been an important part of my journey in understanding more about the issues. I would recommend it.

Participating in Hidden Voices was informative, thought-provoking and fun. The well-facilitated sessions provided time for reflection and discussion, as well as an archive of useful material… This initiative is a great example of faith inspiring concrete action to combat injustice in society.

RESOURCES FROM PREVIOUS EVENTS

COULD EXPLOITATION BE TAKING PLACE IN YOUR LOCAL HAND CAR WASH?

If your car wash costs £5, but there are six people working on it, that could be exploitation. The Clewer Initiative tell us about their Safe Car Wash App and how we can use it to help end slavery and exploitation at hand car washes.

ANTI-SLAVERY DAY: A STORY OF ART, FREEDOM AND HOPE

On Anti-Slavery day, Jacqueline Douglas, a volunteer from a local church involved in supporting survivors of slavery writes about what she’s learnt from creating art with them.

LOOK OUT FOR ‘FORCED BEGGING’ ON THE STREETS OF LONDON THIS CHRISTMAS

Caroline Virgo from The Clewer Initiative talks to us about forced begging. One of the lesser talked about aspects of modern slavery that we could be walking right past this Christmas on our high streets.

COULD YOU PRAY FOR ANTI-SLAVERY DAY?

Bishop Sarah leads us in prayer for Anti Slavery Day- a resource for churches to use on Sunday, 17th October.

PARTNER ORGANISATIONS

ADDITIONAL READING

ADDITIONAL VIDEO RESOURCES