Modern Slavery Victims’ Voices Exhibition Sheds Light on Modern Slavery Across West Yorkshire

Thursday, 11 October, 2023

West Yorkshire Police has joined forces with charities and other partners to highlight the realities, dangers and misery caused by modern slavery and the impact it has within our communities.

An exhibition event is set to tour the county and tell the real stories of victims, showing the impact that modern slavery can have in our communities as well as how people can help bring it to an end.

"The Modern Slavery Victims' Voices Exhibition aims to give people a better understanding of modern slavery and human trafficking and what it looks like in the community," said organiser Jenny Griffiths, from West Yorkshire Police's human trafficking team.

"We want to show how victims are impacted and highlight the work agencies across West Yorkshire are doing to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking."

The West Yorkshire Anti-Slavery Partnership have worked with charities, Palm Cove Society, Hope for Justice, Justice and Care, and Ashiana to create the exhibition. The exhibition features stories, videos and case studies from people who have been a victim of modern slavery in our area.

Launching next Monday (16/10) in Leeds, the exhibition will visit Halifax, Todmorden, Brighouse, Hebden Bridge, Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield.

And to mark International Anti-Slavery Day on Wednesday 18th October, several key buildings and landmarks across West Yorkshire will be lit up in red. This will include the West Yorkshire Police headquarters building in Wakefield.

Detective Chief Inspector Lee Townley, of West Yorkshire Police, said:

"Modern slavery is a serious crime, victims are controlled or held captive, using threats of, or the use of force towards themselves or their families. In many cases preventing victims escaping or reporting the crime. Modern slavery remains hidden in plain sight".

"Anyone can be a victim of modern slavery, however, some people are more vulnerable due to financial, social or health issues. A person's age or immigration status can also be a significant factor in them falling victim."

"Modern slavery and human trafficking are happening in every area of West Yorkshire. People can do something to prevent this happening by recognising the signs of modern slavery."

Spotting modern slavery can be difficult because it can happen anywhere in any situation, we hope that this exhibition will highlight these signs and aid in the public recognising slavery in their local communities.

Detective Chief Inspector Townley added: "We urge any members of the public who have suspicions that slavery is happening to report it to us."

Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and Chair of the West Yorkshire Anti-Slavery Partnership, said: "Modern slavery is an horrendous abuse of human rights and it's something we should all be alive to in our communities.

"This new exhibition brings the plight of victims to life, trapped in abhorrent situations with no escape. I'd recommend everyone visit, to pay respects to those harmed, and to find out how we can stop it together.

"If you do spot the signs, please report it, you could make all the difference."

Dr Gareth Addidle, Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Bradford, who is hosting a special reception for invited guests at the university as part of the tour, said: "Hosting the exhibition and the launch of the Modern Slavery and Trafficking tour at the University of Bradford solidifies the hard work and importance of our partnership with West Yorkshire Police and partners across West Yorkshire in tackling modern issues.

"We want to raise issues, highlight good practice and most importantly, provide a voice for those who have been victims of such heinous crimes.

"I hope this exhibition helps the public and our students understand the impact of modern slavery and trafficking and to be able to spot the signs."

To report modern slavery contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or go online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat or call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Always call 999 in an emergency.

The modern slavery exhibition will be on display at venues across the county from 16th October to 19th November. It is free to attend.

• 16th to 22nd October - Dewsbury Road Community Hub, 190 Dewsbury Road, Leeds, LS11 6PF
  
• 23rd October - Calderdale College, Francis Street, Halifax, HX1 3UZ
  
• 24th October - Oak Gallery, Bankfield Museum, Boothtown Rd, Halifax, HX3 6HG
  
• 25th October - Todmorden Town Hall, Ackroyd Park, Boothtown Rd, Todmorden, HX3 6HG
  
• 26th October - Smith Art Gallery, Brighouse Library, Halifax Rd, Brighouse, HD6 2AF
  
• 27th October - Hebden Bridge Community Association, Hebden Town Hall, St George's Street, Hebden Bridge, HX7 7BY
  
• 30th October - 5th November - Richmond Building, Richmond Road, Bradford, BD7 1DP
  
• 6th and 7th November - Huddersfield Customer Service Centre, Civic Centre, 3 Market Street, Huddersfield, HD1 2YZ
  
• 8th to 12th November - Dewsbury Library, Unit D, Railway Street, Dewsbury Centre, Dewsbury, WF12 8EQ
  
• 13th to 19th November - The Ridings Centre, Wakefield, WF1 1YD

Buildings being lit up in red to mark International Anti-Slavery Day (18/10) include:

• Asda House, Leeds
• Batley Town Hall,
• Dewsbury Town Hall
• Halifax Town Hall
• Huddersfield Town Hall
• Leeds Civic Halls,
• Leeds City Museum
• Leeds Town Hall
• Wainhouse Tower, Halifax
• West Yorkshire Police Headquarters, Wakefield

Find out more about modern slavery and human trafficking here.