Campaigners put spotlight on the unseen victims of modern slavery
Police Scotland and support groups say it's happening across all our communities
We are being warned that modern slavery can happen anywhere in Scotland, to anyone, male, female, young or old. It also isn't just foreign nationals, but it's happening to people "invisible" within our communities.
It's as Police Scotland launches a new campaign highlighting the issue, with last year seeing 228 referrals of those who may have been the victim of labour exploitation.
There are concerns that during the pandemic many potential crimes have gone unreported. This figure is also expected to significantly increase as restrictions ease again.
Police warn that although labour exploitation can occur in criminal enterprises, it can also happen in legitimate industry sectors, with agriculture including fruit picking, food processing and fishing, and also construction, packaging, and in beauty salons.
Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton, Police Scotland’s lead for Major Crime, Public Protection and Local Crime, said: “Modern slavery is happening here and now in Scotland
"Many people may think it won’t happen where they live or work, however the reality is it can happen anywhere - in your community, in your industry – and you can help stop it
"Not all victims see themselves as victims - they may have made a choice to come to Scotland on a promise of a better life, fallen into the hands of traffickers and then found themselves victims of horrific deception and exploitation"
Key signs to look out for include:
• Individuals who work but have little or no money to buy their basic necessities
• Workers who are made to live in poor and dirty conditions
• Workers who have their time both on and off duty dictated to them
• People who are nervous and scared of authority
Joy Gillespie, from Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS), said: "The risks that the victims of modern slavery face are often profound and enduring
"Evidence shows what they suffer can stay with them for life, so it has long-lasting physical and psychological effects
"Working practices can cause physical harm to their bodies - like in hospitality or construction - but also psychologically the fear of violence for long periods - even when it's just the threat of violence - that fear can cause significant harm
"Other issues can arise from forced addiction, living in cramped and unsuitable accommodation, these are all elements which can cause long and enduring ill-effects"
SOHTIS aim to ensure the recovery and long-term wellbeing of survivors of human trafficking in Scotland.
However as Joy explains, supporting them in rebuilding their lives, and also minimising the risk of re-trafficking, can be challenging.
"There's much evidence to show the journey from becoming a victim to a survivor is a really difficult one - and a road that's difficult without specialist support
"They can suffer complex conditions and building trust can be really difficult, while many are very vulnerable to being re-trafficked after coming out of one situation into another
"People should be able to live their lives without fear. We help to rebuild their lives and sustain long term freedom, empowering them to control"
The modern slavery helpline is 0800 0121 700 or for more information visit End Labour Exploitation or alternatively SOHTIS