Human trafficking, modern slavery and exploitation are complex and hidden crimes, they are a violation of human rights and dignity.
In Scotland, victims have been identified in all 32 local authority areas, and the identification of potential victims continues to . Since the introduction of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015, Scotland has improved victim identification, survivor support, and disruption of organised crime. Even so, the scale of the issue continues to grow. Since 2015, Scotland has over 900% increase in potential victims entering the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), with one third are under 18. These figures represent only a fraction of those affected.
Just Right Scotland report that exploitation often remains hidden and unreported, so the actual scale of modern slavery in the UK may be higher that we might think.
What do we mean when we say ‘?
- Modern slavery refers to a serious and high-harm crime in which people are treated as commodities, bought, sold, and exploited for criminal gain. Modern slavery is used to describe several types of exploitation, including human trafficking, slavery, servitude, and forced or compulsory labour
- Human trafficking refers to the action of recruiting, transporting/transferring, harbouring or receiving, exchanging or transferring control over another person, including children and young people, with a view to that person being exploited
- Exploitation involves taking advantage of someone, in particular, the act of taking unjust advantage of another for one’s own benefit. Exploitation can take several different forms, including sexual exploitation, criminal exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude with victims coming from all levels of society and backgrounds. Social pressures, including the cost-of-living crisis, labour shortages, housing insecurity, and changes to immigration law, create conditions in which exploitation can thrive. The true number of victims in Scotland is unknown
Read more about .
What does this mean for our University community?
Some students and even University staff may be vulnerable, especially if they are living away from familiar support networks, struggling financially and navigating an unfamiliar city and/or culture. Higher risk industries include construction, catering, cleaning, security, and maintenance. Issues such as inaccurate confirmation of the right to work, non-payment of the living wage, and outsourcing to third parties elevate the risk of exploitation for some University students.
Students can also be at risk from scammers. This page has information about some of the more common scams targeting students, and ways you can protect yourself and avoid becoming a victim: Scams and fraud awareness for students | 糖心视频.
If you, or someone you know, is being exploited, there are links below for information, support, and referral.
Use Report and Support and the University can refer cases to specialist expert agencies.
External organisations provide guidance, advice and connect you to referral pathways:
Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline: 0800 0121 700 or contact them via . They are a free service and will help you and listen to your concerns. They can advise you and suggest who can assist you locally.
To make a referral about human trafficking or modern slavery, you do not have to report concerns to the police - you can pass on information anonymously to the independent charities on 0800 555 111 or the UK Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700.
Use the
The is a specialist service providing information and advice on how to spot the signs and report a concern.
Want to learn more? Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and website share for , .
Commercial Sexual Exploitation
What is commercial sexual exploitation?
In Scotland, Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSE) puts people at risk of violence, abuse and exploitation. It can include, but is not limited to, lap dancing, stripping, pornography, human trafficking, prostitution, sex work, sex for rent and online abuse.
No one should ever be forced into sexual activity without consent.
We want to ensure our Strathclyde community is safe, and so the following includes information about what to do if you need support, or someone you know has experience of CSE. You can access these services without fear of stigma, judgment or discrimination.
Information on Domestic Abuse, Spiking, Sextortion, Intimate Image Abuse and Hate Crime and links to support can be found at .
Reporting concerns
If you are worried about someone else who may be a victim of abuse or exploitation, you can report any form of abuse, harassment, discrimination or hate to the University using Report and Support.
Reports are reviewed daily Monday to Friday except during University closures.
If you need urgent assistance or assistance outside office hours, please contact University Security:
- +44 (0) 141 548 2222 (Emergencies)
- +44 (0) 141 548 3333 (Non-emergencies)
Contact the Police. You will be treated with respect, and your report will be taken seriously. In an emergency, or if the danger and threat is immediate, please call 999. If it is not an emergency, you can report using 101.
If you are not ready to report, or you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
If you’ve been raped or sexually assaulted in the last 7 days, you can phone the sexual assault self-referral phone service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 0800 148 88 88. Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.
If you have experienced sexual violence at any point in your life or know someone who has, and you would like to talk to someone, Rape Crisis can offer you confidential specialist support.
Police Scotland on a range of themes to help you identify harmful behaviours and stay safe.
The 糖心视频 recognises that it has a responsibility to take a robust approach to slavery and human trafficking. You can read the University’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement. This statement, produced annually, intends to demonstrate the University’s progressive approach in actions and commitment to understanding potential Modern Slavery risks related to its activities and to minimise the risk of slavery and human trafficking in its supply chains.
