Spot the signs of slavery

Image credit: Jessica Turner for Anti-Slavery International.

Without knowing it, you might regularly see people who are in slavery. They don’t have to wear shackles, and they might appear to be going about their normal lives – but look closer and you might spot more worrying signs of slavery. 

Here are a few signs to look out for. Someone in slavery might: 

  • Appear to be under the control of someone else and reluctant to interact with others 
  • Have few personal belongings, wear the same clothes every day or wear unsuitable clothes for work 
  • Not be able to move around freely, and they may not have access to personal identification 
  • Be reluctant to talk to strangers or officials including police officers or health workers 
  • Appear frightened or withdrawn, or show signs of physical or psychological abuse
  • Be dropped off and collected for work always in the same way, especially at unusual times – very early or late at night

Freedom for everyone, everywhere, always 

Anti-Slavery International forms part of a movement to secure freedom for people in, or vulnerable to, modern slavery. We push to change the legal, political, social and economic systems that allow people to become enslaved so that people can live free from fear of being cruelly exploited. 

By working together with survivors to dismantle the systems that enable exploitation, we can deliver freedom from slavery for everyone, everywhere, always. 

Take this short test and see how aware you might be of the signs of slavery. There are only five questions.

What to do if you spot the signs? 

If you suspect that someone is in slavery, DO NOT confront them or cause a scene as this will likely lead to increased harm for them. Instead, inform relevant authorities or organisations working in the field. 

If you are in the UK and suspect someone might be in slavery, you have several options: 

Information relating to Ukraine

We know that the crisis in Ukraine has left many people particularly vulnerable. If you, or you believe someone else, is currently experiencing human trafficking then please contact the following organisations: 

  • Poland: La Strada Poland Helpline: (+48) 22 628 99 99 
  • Hungary: National Hotline: (+36) 06 80 / 20 55 20 
  • Moldova: La Strada Moldova: (+373) 0800 77 777 
  • Romania: Hotline against Trafficking: (+40) 0800 800 678 
  • Slovakia: Slovak Crisis Centre DOTYK: (+421) 903 704 78 
  • UK: Modern Slavery Helpline: (+44) 08000 121 700 

There are also a number of key resources available including: 

If you’re outside the UK, search online for the relevant helpline in your country. 

Here are a few resources: 

If you’re abroad and think you are being exploited or have been trafficked, the first best option is always to contact your embassy or consulate for support. 

Learn more about slavery

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