The Strategy is aimed at all residents, irrespective of age.

Under 18-year-olds are vulnerable because they may not have understanding or experience of what safe relationships look like or what their rights are. An older person may be vulnerable because they may be less able to assess or respond to risky situations.

Children and young adults are the most affected by exploitation, evidenced by the fact that the majority of NRM referrals made by the London Borough of Bexley concerned children (73%).

The Strategy demonstrates the different safeguarding processes for adults and children, and the specific support services available for adults and children. It demonstrates that there are statutory safeguarding duties for children that do not always exist for adult victims, and the need to consider partner support for adults to mitigate that.

The Strategy reflects the need for consent for adult victims, that is not needed for children. Information, support and training around capacity and obtaining genuine and informed consent is available.

The Strategy is aimed at all residents, irrespective of disability.

Victims of modern slavery are often the most vulnerable members of society and having a disability can be a factor in some cases. Abuse of vulnerability may be a means of control which is used by exploiters, and this includes disabilities.

Vulnerability factors such as learning needs and mental ill health may mean that people have limited ability to make consensual choices around their working arrangements.

If someone is experiencing mental health difficulties, they may feel less able or willing to protect themselves from exploitation, and their struggles may be abused by criminals.

Guidance and sources of information are available should staff need to work with disabled victims or witnesses. Information, support and training around capacity and obtaining genuine and informed consent is available.

The strategy advocates for immediate and long-term physical and mental health support for all survivors of modern slavery.

The Strategy is aimed at all residents, irrespective of sex.

The majority of referrals in Bexley concern males (67%), based on NRM data.

We know that some forms of exploitation are more likely for some genders than others. For example, all sexual exploitation in Bexley referred were for females (100%), and 79% of labour exploitation concerned males.

The Strategy states that while these trends are seen, professionals need to be conscious of our biases in ensuring we recognise exploitation of other genders as well, such as sexual exploitation of males and labour exploitation of females.

Victims may wish to engage with professionals of a specific sex to prevent further traumatisation and this should be respected, wherever possible.

The Strategy is aimed at all residents, irrespective of gender identity.

Gender identity may be a characteristic abused for the purpose of exploitation, for example, threatening to out someone.

It is noted that it may make it harder to leave a situation of exploitation due to fear of stigma and the response they may receive as a result of their gender identity.

Professionals should be aware of a victims preferred pronouns when engaging and conscious of their right to privacy regarding their gender identity.

The Strategy is aimed at all residents, irrespective of family status.

It is recognised that victims of Modern Slavery are controlled and abused, often sexually by offenders. Pregnancy may be a traumatic result of exploitation, not only sexual exploitation, but also other forms where sexual abuse is used as a form of control.

Pregnancy may also be a trigger for further abuse or the means of control over a victim, such as threats around custody over their children or harm to their children. Victims of exploitation who are pregnant will have additional needs that need to be met.

Pregnant victims should be risk assessed and if appropriate referred to relevant partner agencies for proactive safeguarding. Considerations will be given to seeking medical advice and referring to the NHS for continued support.

The Strategy is aimed at all residents, irrespective of race or ethnicity.

Victims of Modern Slavery can be transported to the UK from all over the world.  Modern slavery can affect anybody of any ethnicity. However, the majority of victims referred by the London Borough of Bexley are British nationals, based on NRM data. The next highest nationality in Bexley was Albanian victims (3), and we saw 1 referral for some other nationalities. The strategy states that modern slavery can affect anybody of any ethnicity and we need to be conscious of everyone.

There are increased risks for people of minority ethnicities who may find it more difficult to find work and to access community opportunities. In particular, while trafficking does not have to be across international borders, where it is it might mean the victim is unfamiliar with the laws and process to access support or escape their situation or might be more untrustworthy of authorities based on their experience of them in other countries.

Victims of different cultures or non-English speaking victims will require translation and appropriate support that ensures they understand and that professionals can interact effectively with them. Language Line may be used.

Partners such as immigration and relevant Embassies may need to be engaged with to ensure the victim has a secure status and support regarding this.

The Strategy is aimed at all residents, irrespective of religion, belief or faith.

Honour-based or religious-based abuse are a type of modern slavery, where exploitation results from force or threats of coercion around their belief system. Other factors may be manipulated to make someone believe that they should be treated in such a way as well, for example belief in rituals or juju practices. We need to be competent in recognising these as forms of coercion, even if they would not be believed by the professional.

Religiously competent support may be needed, and working in partnership with faith groups to prevent exploitation and support victims will be needed.

Recognising the beliefs and supporting and facilitating faith practices of victims will be essential in safeguarding.

Victims may wish to engage with professionals of a specific sex to accommodate their beliefs and prevent further traumatisation and this should be respected, wherever possible.

The Strategy is aimed at all residents, irrespective of sexual orientation.

Sexuality may be a characteristic abused for the purpose of exploitation, for example, threats to out someone.

There may be issues for lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender people when reporting cases of modern slavery either due to their nationality or religion.

It is noted that it may make it harder to leave a situation of exploitation due to fear of stigma and the response they may receive.

Professionals should be conscious of a victim’s right to privacy regarding their sexual orientation when engaging with them.

The Strategy is aimed at all residents, irrespective of relationship status.

Marriage or familial relations may be the means of control used to exploit someone.