Salvation Army releases film to help public identify signs of modern slavery

The Salvation Army has released a short animated film aimed at helping the public identify common signs of modern slavery so they could report the crime to proper authorities.

The film, which was released ahead of Anti-Slavery Day on Oct. 18, shows the viewers some everyday indicators of modern slavery and takes them through common encounters people have with the victims. It also tells the viewers where to go for information or report suspicious activity.

"We now need everyone in the UK to recognise the uncomfortable truth that modern slavery is taking place all around us," said Major Anne Read, the Salvation Army's Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery.

"Everyone should make it their business to understand what to look for and who to tell and we'd urge anyone who wants to join our fight against modern slavery to watch the animation we've made, to help them know what the signs are to look out for, that anyone could come across in everyday life," she added.

The Christian charity also released a film about modern slavery last year, in which Princess Eugenie of York urged the public to ask businesses who make goods and services to review their supply chain for slave labor through social media using the hashtags, #askthquestion and #slavefree.

Earlier this year, the princess continued her encouragement to survivors and those working in the field when she met with former victims who are now recovering at a Salvation Army safe house in Yorkshire.

"For me these amazing women are such an inspiration in the courage they show in overcoming what has happened to them and their desire to help others," the princess stated, according to Premier.

"It is important that everyone understands the reality of the horrendous experiences these women have had to face and that this kind of exploitation is happening every day in every community in our country," she continued.

The Salvation Army noted that there has been a 300 percent increase in the number of modern slavery victims that were referred for support in the past six years. The number of referrals reportedly rose from 378 in 2011 to 1,554 last year, reflecting both the rising number of modern slaves in the U.K. as well as an improvement in the identification of victims.

The increase includes the doubling in number of Vietnamese men who were trafficked to work in illegal cannabis farms.

Forty-eight percent of those referred to the government program was brought to the U.K. for sexual exploitation, 39 percent for labor exploitation and 13 percent for domestic servitude, according to the charity's figures.

The Salvation Army provides accommodation for a set period for victims referred to the charity, and it also offers legal advice and information about whether they can stay in the U.K. and apply for work, or whether they must return to their home country.