Southend-on-Sea City Council, in collaboration with various partners, is taking a united stand against modern slavery.
As part of Anti-Slavery Day (18 October) the Southend Against Modern Slavery Partnership (SAMS) with the support of the council and Essex Police, have an information stall in The Forum.
The information is aimed at empowering individuals to recognise the signs of modern slavery and learn how they can contribute to its prevention.
Inspector David Gardiner, Southend Community Policing Team, said: "We work very closely with partners in Southend to try to identify and support victims of modern slavery.
“Alongside partners from immigration and adult sex work support agencies, we've targeted suspected brothels and street prostitution to safeguard people who may be exploited for sex work. We've also targeted labour exploitation in the shellfish trade with colleagues from Southend-on-Sea City Council and the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority. We will continue to do all we can to prevent and disrupt this type of criminality."
Councillor James Courtenay, cabinet member for public protection, added: "Modern slavery is a global problem, but we want to do all we can in Southend to highlight the issue and stop it happening in our City. If people know what modern slavery is and what the signs are, then it is easier for people to report it. Often those trapped in these situations are the least able to raise the alarm, so we need our community to be vigilant and report any concerns they may have."
Throughout the day, the council and its partners will disseminate crucial messages and videos across social media platforms, educating the public on how to identify these often obscured signs, which makes it exceedingly difficult to detect potential victims. Indicators of exploitation encompass coercion, control, abuse, isolation, indebtedness, malnourishment, dehumanization, restriction, anxiety, and dependency.
For further information on this critical issue and what you can do to help, please visit the Southend Against Modern Slavery Partnership website.
If you suspect someone is a victim of Modern Slavery, please report it to the Police by calling 101 or 999 in emergencies, or through the modern slavery helpline on 08000 121 700. Reports can also be made online to Essex Police.