If someone shows a number of these characteristics, they might be being exploited.
No freedom of movement
If a person:
- is unable to communicate freely
- allows others to speak for them when they're spoken to
- has limited family contact
- shows signs that their movements are being controlled
- is being forced to work to pay off a debt (even if they are ill)
- is over-dependent on others
- doesn't have their passport, travel documents or ID as someone is holding them.
Poor working and living conditions
If a person:
- is forced to work in poor conditions
- works excessively long hours over long periods
- has no days off
- is working against their will
- is paid little or nothing
- has no access to their earnings
- lives in poor accommodation
- has no access to medical care.
Intimidation and coercion
If a person:
- is always anxious or afraid
- is subjected to violence or threats
- has injuries that look like they've been bound
- is disciplined through punishment
- appears distrustful of the authorities
- is afraid of revealing their immigration status
- acts as if they were instructed by someone else.
Lack of knowledge
If a person:
- has false ID or travel documents
- can't speak the local language
- doesn't know their home or work addresses
- comes from a place known to be a source of human trafficking
- lives or works in a type of location likely to be used for exploiting people.
See the full list of general indicators (PDF, 87kb), including for specific exploitation types.