Anti-Slavery Week events to help spot the signs of modern slavery

Partners across Greater Manchester are joining forces to host a series of free events during Anti-Slavery Week, running from 14-20 October. The events, organised by Greater Manchester Police, Programme Challenger, and modern slavery charity Causeway, aim to raise awareness about modern slavery and help the public identify the signs of exploitation.

Programme Challenger, a partnership of agencies working to combat serious and organised crime in the region, is encouraging everyone to play a role in preventing human trafficking.

GMP’s dedicated modern slavery team emphasised that this week offers an opportunity to openly discuss human trafficking and modern slavery, while encouraging businesses, families, and colleagues to take action to protect potential victims.
 

Read more: Spot the signs of modern slaveryPublished: 01 December 2022

On Anti-Slavery Day (18 October), members of the public are invited to a forum at which Greater Manchester's Deputy Mayor, Kate Green, will be joined by a panel of experts to discuss efforts to tackle modern slavery in the region.

Detective Superintendent Joseph Harrop, head of serious and organised crime at Programme Challenger, highlighted the scale of the issue, noting that between 2023 and 2024, 511 people were identified as victims of modern slavery in Greater Manchester.

In 2023, there were 60 charges for modern slavery offences, and so far in 2024, 27 charges have been made.

"Modern slavery is happening in Greater Manchester right now," Harrop said. "We need your help to spot the signs across our neighbourhoods and workplaces."

Causeway, a leading charity supporting modern slavery survivors, echoed this sentiment, urging the public to get involved in Anti-Slavery Week events to increase awareness.

A Causeway spokesperson said: “At Causeway, we are committed to supporting survivors of modern slavery on their journey to recovery. This week presents an opportunity for all of us to reflect on our actions and consider what more we can do to tackle modern slavery.

"Causeway coordinates the Greater Manchester Anti-Slavery NGO Forum, bringing together charities and statutory services to make a difference. We welcome the public to learn about modern slavery, how to identify and report it. This increased awareness could be the lifeline for someone escaping exploitation."

A photography exhibition at Central Library, co-produced by individuals with lived experience of modern slavery, is among the events being highlighted during the week. The exhibition showcases how survivors have found safety and community in Manchester.

In a recent case in Greater Manchester, a woman who was verbally and physically abused, forced into a life of crime, and sexually exploited, was able to escape after seeking help from authorities.

Organisations like Justice and Care, through their victim navigator programme, play a crucial role in supporting survivors in rebuilding their lives.

As Anti-Slavery Week unfolds, partners across Greater Manchester continue to highlight the importance of collective action in identifying and preventing modern slavery, with the aim of making the city-region a safer place for all.