‘We See You’
A stained glass panel designed by school children around the theme of modern day slavery as part of our Glaziers Education Programme 2022
Modern Day Slavery Awareness Day – Wednesday 18th October 2023
Slavery is often something that we lament over in our history classes or films, but the great sadness is that the fight against slavery has not ended. Slavery is very much in our faces and present and whilst there is greed and oppression it will not go away without effort.
“The term ‘modern slavery’ encompasses both trafficking (the arranging or facilitating of the travel of another, whether into, out of or within the UK, with a view to that person being exploited) and exploitation itself, which can take place both alongside and independently of trafficking.”
The Clewer Initiative 2023
In the book of Isaiah we are reminded that we are empowered to advocate for those in slavery. Modern Day Slavery takes place in many ways and happens in plain sight, we may unknowingly be in contact with someone who is trapped in modern slavery and does not have the tools and resources to leave. Modern Day Slavery can take place in various ways such as Domestic Servitude, Sexual Exploitation, County Lines, Forces Labour, and various others.
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound”
Isaiah 61:1
Do you know how to spot the signs?
Stop the Traffik have shared several signs that a person may be a victim of human trafficking these may include an individual:
- acts as if instructed by another, as though they are forced or coerced to carry out specific activities.
- demonstrates signs of physical or psychological abuse, such as lacking self esteem, seeming anxious, bruising, or untreated medical conditions.
- seems to be bonded by debt or has money deducted from their salary.
- has little or no contact with family or loved ones.
- is distrustful of authorities.
- has threats made against themselves or family members.
- is not in possession of their own legal documents.
What can you do:
Pray: Join with others or in your personal prayer time, pray for justice as well as vigilance and courage to report where you see the signs of Modern Slavery. The Clewer initiative have created some excellent prayer resources.
theclewerinitiative.org: resources liturgy and prayers for anti slavery day
Be informed: The are many resources available these may be signposting of help or spotting the signs information for congregations. The Clewer initiative have been instrumental in the fight against Modern Day Slavey and a bank of resources are available https://theclewerinitiative.org/.
Other resources can also be found at https://www.stopthetraffik.org/
Visit and attend – Visit Southwark Cathedral and see the stained glass piece that looks at Modern Day Slavery – the journey of how it was created can be found in The Bridge Newspaper Dec 22/Jan 23
Or consider attending a Modern-Day slavery event, there is one in Guildford this weekend which our Reigate Archdeaconry is involved with through the Surrey Anti Slavery Partnership and partnering with the Diocese of Guildford.
Report it: If you are concerned for someone you know or see being a victim of Modern Day Slavery
To report a suspicion or get advice you can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline confidentially on 08000 121 700. This is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111
