A new report shows that the number of people being supported by The Salvation Army’s modern slavery services has increased in every region across England and Wales.
This includes North West England where in the last year 344 people were rescued and supported in safe houses and outreach services run by The Salvation Army with its partners. This is an increase of 46 people on the previous year and amounted to 10 percent of the total number of people referred from England and Wales. Many had been forced to commit crimes, work against their will, or coerced into sex work.
The figures are part of The Salvation Army’s twelfth annual report on its work providing specialist support to adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales through the Government’s Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract
In the last year in England and Wales 3,533 people were rescued and supported in safe houses and outreach services run by The Salvation Army with its partners.
Major Kathy Betteridge, The Salvation Army’s Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, said:
“We are deeply concerned by the alarming increase in people trapped in modern slavery in every region across England and Wales. Modern slavery tends to be hidden in plain sight and we are continuing to see there is no limit to the imagination of a trafficker when it comes to people being bought and sold for their own gain.
“Anyone can help The Salvation Army and the police fight modern slavery by raising the alarm if you are worried someone is being exploited. We all have a part to play and together we can be a voice for the voiceless. Please learn how you can spot the signs and where to report your concerns.”
