Merseyside-based 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 available for anybody to use.
The risk checker has been developed in partnership with modern slavery survivors, and launches this week, to mark Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Individuals answer a series of questions themselves, helping them to identify if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal exploitation or sexual exploitation.
It also offers information and guidance about what steps can be taken to gain further help and support.
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).
Signs of modern slavery and exploitation can be hard to spot
Edwin Buckley, Head of Communications and Engagement at Causeway, said: “We are really proud to be starting 2025 with the launch of our brand-new Exploitation Risk Checker.
“Signs of modern slavery and exploitation can be nuanced and hard to spot, and those who are experiencing it may not know how what to do or how to find support. We hope this free and confidential self-assessment tool will serve as a vital resource for those concerned for themselves or somebody they know.
“We would also like to send a huge thank you to Emily Vaughn, Sabrina Hewitt and Nelson Omoragbon, who have provided their own expertise and lived experience to support Causeway with the development of the Exploitation Risk Checker.”
To see how to find the self assessment, visit the MerseyNewsLive TikTok page.
Emily Vaughn said: “It’s important to have developed the Exploitation Risk Checker because it serves as a vital tool for identifying and addressing potential risks faced by individuals, helping to prevent exploitation before it occurs.
“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.”
A second similar 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.
