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#KnowTheSigns

Friday, 24 July 2015

My latest social media campaign: ‘Helping to raise awareness of Modern Day Slavery and Human Trafficking and improve the identification and protection of potential victims/survivors’ began today (24th July 2015) in the lead up to World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 30th July 2015.

I shall be posting each day providing information on the indicators that can help people identify potential victims of trafficking using #KnowtheSigns

anti slavery world day

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons - 30 July - What will you do to show your support? ‪ #‎StopSlaveryToday‬ 

"Every country must join together to overcome this transnational threat by supporting and protecting victims while pursuing and prosecuting the criminals. On the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, let us resolve to act as one in the name of justice and dignity for all."
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

Sexual Exploitation: Signs may include –
Work in various areas across a town/country;
Have no cash of their own;
Work long hours with little time off;
Live in the same place as they work;
Only know sex-related words in the local language &
Have tattoos/scars indicating ownership.
#KnowtheSigns ‪#‎StopSlaveryToday‬

Labour Exploitation: Signs may include –
Live in groups in the same place as they work;
Not dressed adequately for the work they do;
Have no access to their earnings;
Work excessively long hours;
Be subjected to insults, abuse threats and violence;
Be unable to move freely &
Have no labour contract.
#KnowtheSigns ‪#‎StopSlaveryToday‬

Criminal Exploitation: Signs may include –
Children, elderly persons or disabled migrants who tend to beg in public places;
Unaccompanied minors who have been 'found' by an adult of the same ethnicity or nationality;
Live as gang members with adults who are not their parents;
Persons deceived into working in criminal enterprises such as cannabis factories &
Show obvious signs of being abused such as cuts and bruises.
#KnowtheSigns #StopSlaveryToday

Domestic Servitude: Signs may include –
Living with a family but with no private space;
Never or rarely leave the house for social reasons;
Sleep in a shared or inappropriate space;
Be given only leftovers to eat &
Employer is holding any passport or identity documents
‪#KnowtheSigns #‎StopSlaveryToday‬

Forced Labour/Debt Bondage: Signs may include –
Threat or actual physical harm;
Restriction of movement or confinement;
Paid very little or nothing at all because of 'debt' deductions;
Withheld identity documents;
Poor or non-existent health and safety standards &
Imposed place of accommodation.
‪#KnowtheSigns #‎StopSlaveryToday‬

Child Exploitation: Signs may include –
Be unaccompanied despite their young age;
Have no access to education;
Have no friends of their own age;
Look intimidated;
Behave in a manner which is not typical of a child of that age &
Be engaged in work or household chores unsuitable to their age.
‪#KnowtheSigns #‎StopSlaveryToday‬

General Indicators in people who have been trafficked may include –
Not know their home or work address;
Allow others to speak for them when addressed directly;
Act is if instructed by someone else;
Be disciplined through punishment;
Show fear or anxiety;
Be distrustful of authorities &
Have limited or no contact with their families.
‪#KnowtheSigns #‎StopSlaveryToday‬