Did you know there are an estimated 122,000 men, women & children trapped in modern slavery in the UK?
In Gloucestershire, the latest National Referral Mechanism (NRM) statistics show that in 2023, 89 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to Gloucestershire Constabulary – the highest number since records began in 2018. The NRM reports also indicate that referrals are continuing to rise, with 24 potential victims identified in the first quarter of 2025, up from 20 in the previous quarter and 23 in the same period in 2024.
These numbers only tell part of the story. Many modern slavery victims never come forward to the authorities and live for years with no freedom, safety or dignity.
What is modern slavery?
Exploitation can take many forms, including forced sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, county lines drug smuggling or forced labour on farms, in food processing, on construction sites, in shops, nail bars, car washes, hospitality or manufacturing. Research shows there is no typical victim – men, women and children of all ages, ethnicities, nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds are ‘groomed’, forced, coerced or deceived into exploitation, becoming trapped in a situation they cannot escape.
Modern slavery is often hidden in plain sight. That’s why, Christian charity, The Clewer Initiative was formed. There is an urgent need to raise awareness of modern slavery and equip individuals and communities to know how to spot the signs of slavery and report suspicions. Time and again, law enforcement organisations state that educating the public about modern slavery and what to do is the single, most useful thing we can do.
How can you take action against modern slavery?
One way in which you can grow in your knowledge and understanding of modern slavery in the UK is to use a resource from The Clewer Initiative to find out more.
This Spring, it has launched “Children in the Shadows Revisited”, a six-week course for churches and individuals about child exploitation. The interactive, film-based course explores how churches can unite to nurture children and protect them from harm.
Each session includes definitions, statistics and insight from frontline experts (both written and on film); examples of good practice; a reflection on Luke 18 by Bishop Alastair Redfern; group discussion questions; a prayer and action points. Children in the Shadows Revisited can be used as a Lent course or at other times of the year for small groups or individuals.
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