Modern slavery conference takes place in Blackpool

Delegates and organisers at the Modern Slavery conference at the Village Hotel, Blackpool

A conference on modern slavery is taking place today at the Village Hotel in Blackpool.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has staged this event along with its partners Blackpool Council (Blackpool Safeguarding), Lancashire Safeguarding Boards, the Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office and Lancashire Constabulary to help fight this insidious crime.

Modern slavery is happening where you are. It involves the recruitment and movement of individuals using threats, deception and coercion for the purpose of exploitation. It takes many forms but the most common are sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude.

There could be someone close to you who is being exploited, whether that’s sexually or for their labour. These people are vulnerable and need your help.

Charlotte Jamieson, a social worker from the London-based Child Trafficking Advice Centre which is part of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC); Linda Robert from the Child Trafficking Advice Centre (CTAC) and Kip Gibbens from the National Crime Agency which has links with CTAC

Victims are generally living in fear, do not fully understand what is happening to them and comply with their abusers in hiding the reality – often due to threats of violence made to them and their families.

If you see it or have a feeling that something isn’t right and points towards modern slavery, then share it.

Our delegates are all fighting #ModernSlavery – If you suspect that someone is being exploited call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and if you think they are in immediate danger call 999 or go to www.lancashire.police.uk/modernslavery

If you are a victim or you have been affected by modern slavery, you can also seek help from Lancashire Victim Services on 0300 323 0085 or visit www.lancashirevictimservices.org #SeeItShareIt

The packed conference room

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