It is one of the worst crimes imaginable. The victims are stripped of their basic rights and freedoms. They are kept isolated from society and from loved ones. Often they are forced to live in cramped and squalid conditions. Whether women, men or children, they work long and gruelling hours for no pay. The victims become the property of their ‘master’. This terrible crime is modern slavery, and every day thousands of people across the UK are living this reality, out of sight and out of mind.
This is a hidden epidemic, but what we do know of this murky trade in human lives is that cases of slavery in the UK are on the rise, with an estimated 48 per cent increase since 2012.
Across the country, slavery thrives in the darkness behind closed doors. It is therefore vital that every case of modern slavery in the UK is brought to light and thoroughly investigated.
The independent slavery commissioner has recently found that UK police forces across the country are failing victims of slavery by failing to report what happens to the victims as crimes. This means that many cases of slavery are not fully investigated and slave owners are not brought to justice despite their disgusting exploitation.
Please sign that this petition to demand that UK police forces ensure that victims of modern slavery have the crimes against them properly recorded and investigated. Together we can put pressure on our police forces to tackle this terrible epidemic and seek justice for its victims.
The Association of Police and Crime Commissioners:
I am writing today to urge you to ensure that crimes against victims of modern slavery are properly recorded and investigated.
The independent slavery commissioner has recently found that UK police forces across the country are failing victims of slavery by failing to report what happens to the victims as crimes. This means that many cases of slavery are not fully investigated and slave owners are not brought to justice despite their disgusting crimes.
[Your comments]
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
