West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner urges people to use slavery hotline

Monday, 31 July 2017 16:00

A helpline designed to help victims of trafficking has been supported by West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Burns-Williamson.

Mr Burns-Williamson is promoting the helpline across West Yorkshire and is urging anyone with suspicions about someone they know being exploited or trafficked to call the UK Modern Slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700.

Launched in 2016, the helpline has so far received 1,799 calls and made 1,051 referrals with more than 2,000 potential modern slavery victims indicated.

A campaign to raise awareness of the helpline across West Yorkshire by the Police and Crime Commissioner has been launched to coincide with the UN World Day against Trafficking in Persons on July 30.

Mr Burns-Williamson, who also chairs the National Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Network, (NATMSN) which met in July to discuss best practice with fellow PCCs and other stakeholders, urged anyone with concerns to make use of the dedicated helpline.

“West Yorkshire has already led the way nationally in tackling human trafficking and modern-day slavery with the launch of the NATMSN and promoting the helpline is another important part of this,” he said.

“The helpline operates 24/7 with fully trained specialist staff who provide bespoke support as well as gathering information and intelligence on modern slavery/human trafficking. Raising awareness of it across West Yorkshire is vital so people with concerns know where they can go for specialist advice and to report concerns they may have.

“General indicators can include signs of physical or psychological abuse, fear of authorities, no ID documents, poor living conditions and working long hours for little or no pay.”

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