Modern slavery charity Causeway have launched a cutting-edge self-assessment risk checker.
The ‘Exploitation Risk Checker’ allows individuals to answer a series of questions to see if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal or sexual exploitation. A UK first, it is free and available for anybody to use.
The risk checker launched in early January, marking Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Head of Communications and Engagement at Causeway, Edwin Buckley, said: “When it comes to spotting signs of modern slavery it’s hard because it’s not just a few things, signs are quite vast. They’re quite nuanced. One person’s experience of exploitation on slavery is very different to another persons.”
“So, it’s really trying to break down that barrier for people’s understanding what is exploitation and that subtle way of how it could can be manifesting for yourself or somebody else.”
Information and guidance about what steps can be taken to gain further help and support is also offered.
Causeway developed the risk checker in partnership with three modern slavery survivors.
These include Emily Vaughn, author of Sunday Times bestseller Enslaved: My True Story of Survival, and entrepreneur and mum-of-three Sabrina Hewitt who experienced exploitation through her childhood and into her teen years.
Nelson Omoragbon is the third survivor. He is a social advocate and lived experience consultant, who works with young people and organisations to identify and prevent modern slavery and exploitation.
Nelson Omoragbon said: “I am really proud to be involved in developing this new Exploitation Risk Checker. I hope it will help others who may be in a situation like I was, letting them know that there are options, places they can go to find support, and people they can speak to.
“It sometimes felt like I was alone, and I had no one to turn to, I thought this was going to be my life forever, but this is what exploiters want you to think.”
“Opening up and talking to someone I trusted literally changed my life.”
It is estimated that across the UK, over 100,000 people are trapped in some form of modern slavery. Survivors in the UK have most commonly experienced forced labour, criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation.
Criminal exploitation is a form of modern slavery which involves a person being forced to take part in criminal activity against their will or through coercion. Sexual exploitation involves a person being forced to take part in sexual activities, or activities for sexual purposes.
From July 2023 to June 2024, the Northwest was one of the regions in England and Wales with the highest number of referrals for modern slavery support (via the government’s National Referral Mechanism).
A second risk checker tool is due to be launched by Causeway later in the year, which will help somebody identify if they may be at risk or experiencing forced labour.
Emily Vaughn said: “Being involved in its development fills me with pride, as it reflects a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting awareness about the complexities of exploitation.
“This initiative not only empowers individuals to recognise risks but also creates a proactive approach to combating modern slavery, ultimately contributing to a safer and more informed community.”
To see how to find the self-assessment, visit the MerseyNewsLive TikTok page.
Aside from the risk checker, Causeway offers a multitude of services for individuals starting over after experiencing exploitation. They offer Ingredients for Life – in partnership with Asda – which provides cookery and life skills courses for those moving to live independently for the first time. This course also helps in building networks and friendships.
Causeway is also the key organisation running Bright Future Cooperative, which fast tracks survivors into safe and fair employment. They approve and train employers and organisations and match them with survivors. Making the application process less daunting and ensuring the employer understands the delicacies and how to be welcoming and inclusive for a survivor.
They also run LifeLink which is courses and community groups for survivors. From day trips to English language courses to fitness classes. Finally, they offer LifeLine, a phone line for survivors moving to independent living and away from intensive support. LifeLine offers advice, such as how to find a GP surgery, or even if someone just wants a chat.
Access is Causeway’s modern slavery accommodation and outreach service, providing safe housing for men, women and families. It operates via referrals from the government’s National Referral Mechanism (NRM), something they also offer assistance in applying for.
To find out more about the services Caueway has to offer for survivors, head to their website.
Edwin Buckley said: “I think more than anything, you know, exploitation is often not talked about. Modern slavery is not talked about. We want to get there out as wide as possible it’s the first self-assessment tool that somebody can use themselves. So, whether it’s somebody you’re concerned about or whether it’s somebody themselves, that might just be wondering, this doesn’t feel right, the situation I’m in. Please do share it. Spread it. This tool is only as powerful as the people that use it.”
“Looking for that first point of support, it is a big thing. To move forward tell a social worker, tell a police officer, tell local authority what you are experiencing, tell family and friends what you’re experiencing. That is a big step, we completely understand that. But what you’re experiencing isn’t OK and it needs to stop. You have every right to live a fair, safe and free life as everybody else. So, see this as that first step, which is completely free to use. You can do privately yourself, nobody else knows about it, just explore and find out more for yourself what you may be going through and experiencing be provided with that information.”
Click here to access Causeway’s Exploitation Risk Checker.
To hear the full interview with Edwin Buckley, click the link below.
