- Conference
- 2017 National Women's Conference
- Date
- 11 October 2016
- Decision
- Carried
There is no one face of modern slavery. Victims are mostly women, and children of all ages, and cut across populations, but it is normally more prevalent among minorities and excluded groups. Many women in modern slavery are brought to the UK, but latest figures show that UK nationals are also being targeted.
Vulnerable young girls and women are drawn into slavery by traffickers and groomers often on the promise of paid work, or getting rid of their own or their family’s debts, or in the case of vulnerable young women, the promise of attention and emotional support.
However, once involved they may find that the “work” is in the sex industry, often prostitution, where they are compelled to engage in non-consensual, often abusive sexual acts, working for no or little pay, for long hours, and with little or no thought about protection of their health or safety.
Another area of concern is the position of live in domestic workers, often from overseas, who may be subjected to physical and verbal abuse, imprisonment within their employers’ home, denial of access to telephones/internet, and removal of their passports to prevent escape. Such women are often forced to sleep in kitchens or cellars, not allowed to mix with other people, and may also be subject to sexual abuse by family members. These women may also be denied access to healthcare, even for serious illnesses.
We may all see women who are enslaved in our day to day work. It may be hard to recognise slavery in the UK, but here are some common signs which you can be aware of:
1) Physical appearance – women may show signs of physical injury, or psychological abuse, may be underweight, malnourished, unkempt, or appear withdrawn.
2) Isolation – victims may have restrictions placed on going places alone, only go out under the control of others, rarely interact, or appear unfamiliar with the area where they work.
3) Poor Living Conditions – Victims may be living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded conditions, often in the same area where they work.
4) Deprivation – may have few or no personal possessions, no ID or travel documents, or always wear the same clothes, which may not be suitable for the climate or the area where they work.
There are other signs as well, but these are among the most obvious.
a) Conference calls upon the National Women’s Committee to work with the LAOS to design training for activists and members to recognise potential signs of victims of modern slavery, and what to do if they suspect a client, patient or colleague is a victim. This to include production of publicity materials to be available for branches.
b) To work with Labour Link to progress this through the Labour party and have this put on the national political agenda.
c) To ask the NWC and NEC to pursue affiliation to a suitable anti-slavery organisation such as the Anti-Slavery Society or other such groups.