There are many different reasons why a person can find themselves facing homelessness. The reality is that it could happen to any one of us, at any time. At Simon on the Streets, we meet so many individuals, each with their own set of circumstances and their own story to tell.
Modern slavery is a serious issue that we’re seeing more of amongst the people we support, and it can often be the result, or the cause of, homelessness.
In this week's blog, we're raising some awareness around this issue, and exploring how we can bring this inhumane practice to an end.
What is modern slavery?
Hope for Justice defines modern slavery as being ‘where one person controls another for profit by exploiting a vulnerability’.
These different types of exploitation include forced labour, sexual exploitation and forced marriage, often taking advantage of people who are in a desperate situation. Victims of modern slavery include people with little to no money, individuals fleeing from war or conflict, and those who struggle with physical or mental health problems. Homelessness is a particular risk factor when it comes to modern slavery and exploitation.
Many people trapped in modern slavery have been brought to to the UK from abroad. In many cases, they’re given false promises of houses, jobs and a stable income. Human traffickers will often take away their ID and force them to live and work somewhere for very little money.
It’s estimated that around 136,000 people live in modern slavery in the UK, with approximately £100 billion being illegally made each year from their exploitation.
It's a very real issue that's happening to people across the UK every single day. However, it's a hidden issue. The most vulnerable often go under the radar, leaving them at massive risk of exploitation. Very often, they're fearful about being caught by UK authorities, and of deportation, meaning that they might be understandably distrustful of anyone who offers help.
Hope for Justice
Here at Simon on the Streets, we work closely with Hope for Justice, a charity that raises awareness and aims to bring an end to modern slavery and human trafficking. They’re an international charity, but also operate in the UK.
The work they do is incredible, helping to identify potential victims of modern slavery and ensure that they're supported.
Ukraine crisis
With the recent crisis in Ukraine, we’re seeing a big increase in cases of modern slavery. Human traffickers waste no time when it comes to seeing an opportunity arise from war, conflict and misery.
Many Ukrainian refugees have come over to the UK with the promise of a better life, but have ended up becoming victims of exploitation, and the victims of sexual violence and human trafficking.
Our role
Team Simon receives training from Hope for Justice on how to identify and support people trapped in modern slavery. It's invaluable knowledge and a vital skill set for our outreach work.
It’s so important to create strong relationships with individuals who have been exploited and to earn their trust. That way, we can provide them with the support they need, and adapt to situations which can change very quickly.
The people we support often need support and treatment for health conditions, especially when they’ve had to work incredibly labour-intensive jobs. Hand and nerve issues are very common, but our new health and well-being initiative means we can provide access to essential healthcare and support.
If you encounter someone you think could be a victim of modern slavery, it’s important that you contact the UK Modern Slavery Exploitation helpline, or call 999 in the event of an emergency.
To learn more about modern slavery, visit Hope for Justice.