Anti-Slavery - spot the signs

15 November 2023

Nottinghamshire Police is urging people to look out for the signs of modern slavery - and help free vulnerable people from a life of misery.

The national Modern Slavery Helpline has compiled a list of indicators that may suggest someone is a victim of modern slavery:

  • Physical Appearance - show signs of physical or psychological abuse, look malnourished or unkempt, or appear withdrawn and neglected. They may have untreated injuries.
  • Isolation - Rarely be allowed to travel on their own, seem under the control, influence of others, rarely interact or appear unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work.
  • Poor living conditions - Be living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation, and/or living and working at the same address.
  • Restricted freedom of movement - Have no identification documents, have few personal possessions and always wear the same clothes day in day out. What clothes they do wear may not be suitable for their work.
  • Unusual travel times - Be dropped off or collected for work on a regular basis either very early or late at night.
  • Reluctant to seek help - Avoid eye contact, appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers and fear law enforcers for many reasons, such as not knowing who to trust or where to get help, fear of deportation, fear of violence to them or their family.

If you believe a person is being trafficked and is in immediate danger, you should call 999 straight away.

Read more about modern slavery and report concerns online on Unseen


Spot the signs of domestic slavery infographic - Call 0800 012 1700 (Modern Slavery Helpline)

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