MORE than a dozen potential modern slavery victims were referred to county police last year - with eleven of the cases involving children.

The news comes in the wake of a high-profile modern slavery case in Carlisle, the details of which shocked the city earlier this year.

The new data, provided by the Home Office, show that 17 potential modern slavery cases were flagged to the Cumbria Constabulary last year.

But police chiefs said the data is unlikely to show the true scale of modern slavery and trafficking in the UK and that there is 'more to be done' to tackle the issue.

Anti-slavery charity Unseen suggests that the figures vastly underestimate the problem, and called for more to be done to disrupt growing demand for the exploitative practice.

The charity's CEO Andrew Wallis said the impact of modern slavery – whether financial, sexual or criminal – can leave victims with life-long trauma, horrific physical injuries and a long journey to recovery.

Mr Wallis said: "Modern slavery does not care who or what nationality you are, if exploiters can make money out of you, they will."

He said war and economic disparity meant there were more vulnerable people trying to make a living - and more exploiters preying upon them.

Mr Wallis also called for more to be done to protect vulnerable people from exploitative predators, he urged people to recognise signs of modern slavery and report any suspicions.

Also warning that the Government's proposed Nationality and Borders Bill – which would see victims viewed as less credible if they miss the deadline for giving information about their experiences – could prevent some victims coming forward.

A report from the Joint Committee on Human Rights said the approach outlined in the new legislation was unfair and risked failing traumatised people who may find it difficult to report what happened to them.

However the National Police Chiefs' Council lead for modern slavery, Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer, linked increased referrals nationally to greater awareness, understanding and reporting of the issue.

He said thousands of officers were trained to investigate the issue, adding that forces worked with national and local authorities and specialist organisations to support victims and bring offenders to justice.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Donnelly said: "Our primary concern in cases of modern slavery and human trafficking is to safeguard the victims who are being exploited

"Both police and partners have carried out significant work across Cumbria to raise public awareness of these crimes and, as such, we are seeing an increase in intelligence and reports from the public and other agencies, which helps us to remove victims of these crimes from harm.

"We work hard to protect vulnerable people, stop any possible exploitation as quickly as possible and to bring anyone found responsible for these horrific crimes to justice.

"This has led to a number of charges, with high profile cases conducted alongside our partners currently going through the court and criminal justice process."

He added: "Officers have also supported a number of initiatives both to support victims of modern slavery and human trafficking and to continue to highlight these crimes to the public which, in turn, will help the people who are being exploited.

"This is an issue not just for Cumbria, but for the UK as a whole and also globally.

"Many of these cases are identified through the vigilance of the public and our partners as they become more aware and attuned to identifying victims and offenders alike, so we would urge anyone with information to contact us as soon as possible."

 

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