Human Trafficking
Support, Advice & Reporting. What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring, or receipt of people through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. It is a serious crime and a violation of human rights.
The main forms of human trafficking include:
• Forced labour: Victims are compelled to work under threats, violence, deception, or debt. They may work in agriculture, construction, factories, domestic service, fishing, or other industries.
• Sex trafficking: Individuals are forced, deceived, or coerced into commercial sexual exploitation. When the victim is under 18 years old, any commercial sexual exploitation is considered trafficking, regardless of force or coercion.
• Child trafficking: Children may be trafficked for forced labour, sexual exploitation, forced begging, illegal adoption, criminal activities, or recruitment into armed groups.
Common methods traffickers use
Traffickers often:
• Make false promises of jobs, education, or a better life.
• Exploit poverty, unemployment, or family difficulties.
• Use threats, violence, intimidation, or psychological manipulation.
• Confiscate identity documents or control victims’ movements.
• Create debt that victims are forced to “repay” through labour or exploitation.
Warning signs
Possible indicators that someone may be a victim include:
• Being unable to leave their workplace or living situation freely.
• Showing signs of fear, anxiety, or abuse.
• Having little control over their money or identification documents.
• Working excessively long hours with little or no pay.
• Appearing to be closely monitored by another person.
Why it is a global issue
Human trafficking occurs in nearly every country and affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, individuals experiencing poverty, displacement, discrimination, or lack of opportunities are often at greater risk.
Preventing human trafficking requires:
• Strong law enforcement and legal protections.
• Public awareness and education.
• Support services for survivors, including healthcare, counselling, housing, and legal assistance.
• International cooperation to identify traffickers and protect victims.
Know the Signs of Human Trafficking
Common indicators include:
• Working long hours for little or no pay
• No access to their own ID or finances
• Signs of control by another person
• Living in poor or overcrowded conditions
• Not allowed to speak alone
• Unexplained injuries or fearfulness
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it.
Advice on Reporting Human Trafficking
You can report trafficking if:
• You suspect someone is being exploited or controlled
• You have witnessed suspicious activity
• You are a professional (e.g. teacher, healthcare worker) with safeguarding concerns.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger
Contact the emergency services in the country where the person is located. If it is safe to do so, contact a recognised anti-trafficking organisation or national trafficking helpline.
Do not confront suspected traffickers yourself. This could place the victim, yourself or others at greater risk.
You Can Make a Difference
By knowing the signs and acting on your concerns, you could help rescue someone from exploitation. Whether you are a survivor, a concerned citizen, or a professional, you are not alone. Support and guidance are available.
🕊️ Break the silence. Stop the exploitation. Speak up today.
Support for Survivors
If you are a survivor of human trafficking, you have the right to:
• Emergency accommodation
• Legal and immigration advice
• Medical and psychological support
• Help to rebuild your life
Organisations such as The Salvation Army, Unseen, and Migrant Help provide specialist support.
Emergency Help UK
• If someone is in immediate danger, call 999
• If you are safe but need help or advice, contact one of the helplines below.
UK Human Trafficking Helplines
Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline (24/7)
- 📞 08000 121 700
- 🌐 www.modernslaveryhelpline.org
- Offers free, confidential support and guidance for victims, concerned citizens, and frontline workers.
NSPCC (for children and young people)
- 📞 0808 800 5000
- 📧 help@nspcc.org.uk
- Support for children who may be at risk of trafficking or exploitation.
Unseen UK
- Offers services for survivors and runs the Modern Slavery Helpline above.
- 🌐 www.unseenuk.org
The Salvation Army (for adult victims of trafficking)
- 📞 0800 808 3733 (24/7 referral helpline)
- 🌐 www.salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery
Crimestoppers (Anonymous Reporting)
- 📞 0800 555 111
- 🌐 www.crimestoppers-uk.org
International Human Trafficking Helplines
There is no single worldwide human-trafficking telephone number. Helplines are generally organised nationally or regionally, so people should use the appropriate service for the country where they are located. UNODC recognises trafficking hotlines as an important way of helping identify victims and connect people with appropriate local services.
International organisations and resources
• A21 — A global organisation working to prevent human trafficking, intervene in trafficking situations and support survivors. It operates national trafficking hotlines in several countries, including Greece, Bulgaria and South Africa, and can assist with survivor repatriation internationally.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) — Provides international information, resources and guidance concerning human trafficking and victim protection.
UNODC Human Trafficking Resources
https://www.unodc.org/unodc/human-trafficking
• Hope for Justice — An international organisation working to prevent exploitation, rescue victims, restore lives and help reform systems that allow trafficking and modern slavery to continue. Its work includes the UK, Norway, United States, Cambodia, Uganda, Australia and Ethiopia.
Hope for Justice
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