Modern slavery charity Causeway, which supports survivors across the North West, has launched a pioneering new self-assessment risk checker tool.
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.
The risk checker has been developed in partnership with real modern slavery survivors, and launches this week, to mark Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
It is estimated that across the UK, over 100,000 people are currently trapped in modern
slavery and exploitation. Survivors in the UK will most commonly have experienced forced
labour, criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation.
From July 2023 to June 2024, the North West was one of the regions in England and Wales
with the highest number of referrals for modern slavery support, through the government’s
National Referral Mechanism. It came only behind London and the South East for the
region where most new modern slavery victims had been identified.
To mark Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which takes place in January,
local modern slavery charity Causeway have launched an Exploitation Risk Checker.
Causeway support survivors of modern slavery across Lancashire and the wider North
West.
Causeway’s Exploitation Risk Checker is a UK first, with it serving as a self-assessment tool.
Individuals are able to answer a series of questions themselves, which assists them in
identifying if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal exploitation or sexual
exploitation. It also offers information, guidance and signposting about what steps they
can then take to gain further help and support.
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.
Causeway have developed the risk checker in partnership with three survivors of modern
slavery. These include Emily Vaughn, author of Sunday Times bestseller Enslaved: My True Story of Survival. From 11-years-old, Emily was both criminally and sexually exploited, which continued for 10 years.
The Exploitation Risk Checker is available for anybody to use who is concerned they, or
somebody they know, may be experiencing or at risk of criminal exploitation or sexual
exploitation. 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.
Emily 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.”
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 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.”
