Modern slavery charity Causeway, who support survivors across Greater Manchester, have launched a pioneering new self-assessment risk checker tool.
The ‘Exploitation Risk Checker’ allows individuals to answer a series of questions to see if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal or sexual exploitation.
The risk checker has been developed in partnership with real modern slavery survivors, and launches this week, to mark Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
It is estimated that across the UK, over 100,000 people are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation. Survivors in the UK will most commonly have experienced forced labour, criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation.
From July 2023 to June 2024, the North West was one of the regions in England and Wales with the highest number of referrals for modern slavery support, through the government’s National Referral Mechanism. It came only behind London and the South East for the region where most new modern slavery victims had been identified.
To mark Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which takes place in January, local modern slavery charity Causeway have launched an Exploitation Risk Checker. Causeway support survivors of modern slavery across Greater Manchester and the wider North West.
Causeway’s Exploitation Risk Checker is a UK first, with it serving as a self-assessment tool. Individuals are able to answer a series of questions themselves, which assists them in identifying if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal exploitation or sexual exploitation. It also offers information, guidance and signposting about what steps they can then take to gain further help and support.
Criminal exploitation is a form of modern slavery which involves a person being forced to take part in criminal activity against their will or through coercion. Sexual exploitation involves a person being forced to take part in sexual activities, or activities for sexual purposes.
Causeway have developed the risk checker in partnership with three survivors of modern slavery. These include Emily Vaughn, author of Sunday Times bestseller Enslaved: My True Story of Survival. From 11-years-old, Emily was both criminally and sexually exploited, which continued for 10 years.
Entrepreneur and mum-of-three Sabrina Hewitt has also been involved in the risk checker creation. As a child, Sabrina was exploited by a family member. As she moved into her teens, she was then groomed by a boyfriend and forced into county lines.
Nelson Omoragbon is the third survivor who has partnered with Causeway to develop the risk checker. Nelson is now a social advocate and lived experience consultant, who works with young people and organisations to identify and prevent modern slavery and exploitation.
The Exploitation Risk Checker is available for anybody to use who is concerned they, or somebody they know, may be experiencing or at risk of criminal exploitation or sexual exploitation. A second similar tool is due to be launched by Causeway later in the year, which will help somebody identify if they may be at risk or experiencing forced labour.
Emily Vaughn said: “It’s important to have developed the Exploitation Risk Checker because it serves as a vital tool for identifying and addressing potential risks faced by individuals, helping to prevent exploitation before it occurs. Being involved in its development fills me with pride, as it reflects a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting awareness about the complexities of exploitation. This initiative not only empowers individuals to recognise risks but also creates a proactive approach to combating modern slavery, ultimately contributing to a safer and more informed community.”
Sabrina Hewitt said: “I’m proud to have contributed to the development of this self-assessment risk checker and bridging lived experience with professional expertise. This is a ground-breaking resource that combines the knowledge of survivors like me, with Causeway’s extensive expertise in modern slavery and safeguarding. With mine and other survivors’ consultation, I believe it to be practical and accessible tool, giving individuals and professionals the confidence to recognize and respond to potential risks of exploitation. By using the Exploitation Risk Checker, we can all play a part in identifying and preventing harm.”
Nelson Omoragbon said:
“I am really proud to be involved in developing this new Exploitation Risk Checker. I hope it will help others who may be in a situation like I was, letting them know that there are options, places they can go to find support, and people they can speak to. It sometimes felt like I was alone and I had no one to turn to, I thought this was going to be my life forever, but this is what exploiters want you to think. Opening up and talking to someone I trusted literally changed my life.”
Edwin Buckley, Head of Communications and Engagement at Causeway, said:
“We are really proud to be starting 2025 with the launch of our brand new Exploitation Risk Checker. Signs of modern slavery and exploitation can be nuanced and hard to spot, and those who are experiencing it may not know what to do or how to find support. We hope this free and confidential self-assessment tool will serve as a vital resource for those concerned for themselves or somebody they know. We would also like to send a huge thank you to Emily Vaughn, Sabrina Hewitt and Nelson Omoragbon, who have provided their own expertise and lived experience to support Causeway with the development of the Exploitation Risk Checker.”
