Missing, Exploited, Trafficked
For information about Modern Slavery and COVID-19 see here.
People trafficking is the movement of people from one area to another by use of force or threat for the purpose of some form of exploitation, such as sexual exploitation, domestic slavery, forced marriage, labour exploitation including in cannabis factories, forcing a young person to commit crimes, drug dealing, credit card fraud, benefit fraud, ritual sacrifice and organ donation.
Traffickers can be male and female and control young people by threatening to report them to the authorities, telling them they owe large sums of money, or by threats of violence to them or their families.
Signs of Trafficking include:
- Receives unexplained or unidentified telephone calls
- Going missing from the home or placement
- Signs of abuse or unwanted pregnancy
- Is required to earn a minimum amount of money each day
- Forced to perform excessive household chores
- Prevented from leaving the house event to attend school or college
- Talks of a large amount of debt they owe
- Is excessively afraid of being deported
If you are concerned that a young person is being trafficked:
- In an emergency contact the Police
- Or contact Portsmouth Children’s Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub on 023 9268 8793
For contact details go to: What to do if you are worried about the Safety of a child
Barnardo’s Trafficking Service (Hampshire based) support young people that are suspected or have been confirmed as being trafficked and also support the social workers of those young people. Tel: 0800 043 4303.
First responders who work for designated organisations can refer potential victims (of any age) using the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) Form. If you are not a first responder, you can get help, report a suspicion, or seek advice using the Modern Slavery Helpline (tel: 0800 0121 700)
Moving On project
The Moving On project supports women who have been affected by trafficking, exploitation and Modern Slavery. It provides tailored one-to-one long term support to those who might not otherwise have access to Modern Slavery support services such as the NRM or have exited the NRM. They aim to help women reduce their vulnerability to abuse, violence and exploitation, and move on positively with their lives in the community. They also support survivors to pursue judicial outcomes against their perpetrators by supporting them throughout the legal process.
Moving On project information for referrers
Moving On project referral form
Further information or resources:
Post-18 Hampshire Counter Trafficking
Victims of Modern Slavery – Home Office guidance
4LSAB Modern Slavery Victim Pathway
Survivor Hub: a resource by the Human Trafficking Foundation for survivors to find opportunities for work and paid research participation; and resources on education, housing support, the National Referral Mechanism and mental health support. It includes directories of support providers and legal advisors across the country.