What communities can do

Set up a small team to lead and co-ordinate anti trafficking activity in your area. The team should then engage with your local community leaders and groups suggesting ways local people can help with constructive action in their community. There may be many things that can be done and from our experience, we suggest the following ten:

1. Know and learn the signs to look out for – including trafficking for sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, forced labour, petty crime, street begging (click here for more info)
2. Know who to contact if you have concerns e.g. Crime stoppers 0800 555 111, Police 999 or 101, Salvation Army 0800 808 3733
3. Write to your local newspapers about their advertisements for sex establishments and question advertisements for the services of so called massage parlours, saunas and nail bars. It is incredibly hypocritical to sell newspapers by writing a story about ‘sinister brothels’ on the one hand, but on the other, to be making money from the profits of these premises and actually promoting their services which, our evidence suggests, are highly likely to have trafficked women working in them. BUT also write to your local newspaper if they have dropped these advertisements letting them know you support their commitment not to include them
4. Write to your MP/Councillor/Police to ask what they’re doing. Tell them you think they should make tackling trafficking a priority
5. Concerned that tackling human trafficking isn’t high enough on your local policing or council agenda? Why not have your say and tell your Safer Neighbourhoods Team that you want to see this issue become a local priority. “Safer Neighbourhoods teams are dedicated to the needs of each specific neighbourhood, with the policing priorities for that area decided in partnership with local stakeholders – the public, crime and disorder reduction partnerships (CDRPs), local authorities and other local organisations.” You have a chance to help affect policing priorities in your area – why not go to a drop in surgery or public meeting, or get in contact via email? You can find out all about your nearest Safer Neighbourhoods Team here.  Just type in your postcode at www.safer-neighbourhoods.co.uk.  We all have a role to play in ensuring tackling this horrendous crime is made a priority in our areas
6. Tell others, (neighbours/family/colleagues) hold an awareness event, put up posters, leave leaflets in your workplace/community hall
7. Ask your local school what they’re doing to teach their pupils about the issue. We visit schools and talk to 15 to 17 year olds about modern day slavery which includes trafficking.  This helps raise awareness and so that young people will be better placed to deal with any approaches to them or to any of their friends
8. Fundraise towards your community’s anti trafficking activities
9. Join our mailing list to receive regular updates and to have access to information to help your activities
10. Buy Fair-Trade food and clothing to help reduce slavery abroad.