Sheffield-based modern slavery charity Causeway, has launched a new tool to help those at risk of modern slavery. The Exploitation Risk Checker allows people to answer a series of questions to see if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal or sexual exploitation. The risk checker has been developed in partnership with real modern slavery survivors and was launched last week to mark the start of Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
It is estimated that across the UK, over 100,000 people are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation. Survivors in the UK will most commonly have experienced forced labour, criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation. From July 2023 to June 2024, Yorkshire and the northeast had one of the highest numbers of referrals for modern slavery support through the government’s National Referral Mechanism.
Identifying exploitation
Criminal exploitation is a form of modern slavery which involves a person being forced to take part in criminal activity against their will or through coercion. Sexual exploitation involves a person being forced to take part in sexual activities, or activities for sexual purposes.
Causeway’s online Exploitation Risk Checker allows individuals to answer a series of questions which assists them in identifying if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal exploitation or sexual exploitation. It also offers information, guidance and signposting about what steps they can then take to gain further help and support.
Informed by experience
Causeway has developed the risk checker in partnership with Barnsley-based design agency Ginger Fox Studio, as well as three survivors of modern slavery. These include Emily Vaughn, author of Sunday Times bestseller Enslaved: My True Story of Survival. From 11-years-old, Emily was both criminally and sexually exploited, which continued for 10 years.
Entrepreneur and mum-of-three Sabrina Hewitt has also been involved in the risk checker creation. As a child, Sabrina was exploited by a family member. As she moved into her teens, she was then groomed by a boyfriend and forced into county lines offending.
Nelson Omoragbon, the third survivor who has partnered with Causeway, is now a social advocate and lived-experience consultant, who works with young people and organisations to identify and prevent modern slavery and exploitation.
Survivors’ stories
Launching the risk-checking tool, Vaughn said: “It’s important to have developed the Exploitation Risk Checker because it serves as a vital tool for identifying and addressing potential risks faced by individuals, helping to prevent exploitation before it occurs. Being involved in its development fills me with pride, as it reflects a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting awareness about the complexities of exploitation.
“This initiative not only empowers individuals to recognise risks but also creates a proactive approach to combating modern slavery, ultimately contributing to a safer and more informed community.”
Hewitt also commented on how proud she is to have been involved in developing the self-assessment risk checker, which bridges lived experience with professional expertise. She said:
“This is a ground-breaking resource that combines the knowledge of survivors like me, with Causeway’s extensive expertise in modern slavery and safeguarding. With mine and other survivors’ consultation, I believe it to be practical and accessible tool, giving individuals and professionals the confidence to recognise and respond to potential risks of exploitation. By using the Exploitation Risk Checker, we can all play a part in identifying and preventing harm.”
Omoragbon added: “I hope it will help others who may be in a situation like I was, letting them know that there are options, places they can go to find support, and people they can speak to. It sometimes felt like I was alone and I had no one to turn to, I thought this was going to be my life forever, but this is what exploiters want you to think. Opening up and talking to someone I trusted literally changed my life.”
Exploitation risk checker
Edwin Buckley, head of communications and engagement at Causeway, said:
“We are really proud to be starting 2025 with the launch of our brand-new Exploitation Risk Checker. Signs of modern slavery and exploitation can be nuanced and hard to spot, and those who are experiencing it may not know what to do or how to find support. We hope this free and confidential self-assessment tool will serve as a vital resource for those concerned for themselves or somebody they know.
We would also like to send a huge thank you to Emily Vaughn, Sabrina Hewitt and Nelson Omoragbon, who have provided their own expertise and lived experience to support Causeway with the development of the Exploitation Risk Checker.”
The Exploitation Risk Checker is available for anybody to use who is concerned that they, or somebody they know, may be experiencing or at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation. A second similar tool is due to be launched by Causeway later in the year, which will help somebody identify if they may be at risk of or experiencing forced labour. More information on the help and support that Causeway provide can be found on its website.
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