Skip links


Stop the Traffik

2nd traffik logo

At our last Speaker Meetng, Hannah Flint from “Stop the Traffik” came to talk to us about the work of the organisation.  Modern Day Slavery and Exploitation is a big problem globally but particularly in the UK. Modern Day Slavery can take many forms – sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic

servitude, forced criminality involving growing, carrying and selling drugs in particular.

Other forms of Modern Day slavery in the UK are victims of forced marriage, sham marriage, street sex workers, (e.g “pop-up” brothels in Manchester).

Help is available but requires the victim to be aware of this help and be able to access it.  There is a National Referral Mechanism, funded by the Government, where victims can access legal aid, counselling and support workers to help them through the process.  The Salvation Army and other organisations are also involved.

Hannah explained her role in the “Stop the Traffik” organisation in Manchester.  Her job is to co-ordinate the response team which involves a range of agencies such as the police, social workers and legal team.  She is heavily involved in raising the awareness of the general public as to how they can identify victims of Modern Slavery.  For example, how can you tell that a person is a victim of forced labour?  One of the ways is to notice whether workers are picked up and dropped off by others; they may not speak English;  lack suitable work clothing; look nervous and fearful.

Unfortunately, children can become victims of Modern Slavery. Child trafficking IS child abuse and children are trafficked into every scenario of trafficking.  Some of the signs that a child is being exploited could be that a young girl has an older boy-friend; a child may live in a house together with other unrelated children; there may be signs of physical neglect and psychological trauma.

At the end of Hannah’s talk, members of the Club asked what they could do to support the work of the organisation.  There were several things that she suggested we may do.  One of our members, an ex- teacher, offered to go into schools to raise awareness of the issues and another member, who works for the Health Service, identified an area of her work, Sexual Health, where exploitation could be identified.  Hannah has arranged to speak to these Health Professionals.  She also mentioned an awareness raising event in at Manchester Airport in, March in which we could be involved.

The 24 hour Modern Slavery Helpline is: 0800 0121 700 or Crimestoppers: 0800 555 111

If you would like to know more about “Stop the Traffik” go to www.stopthetraffik.org