The number of modern slavery victims being identified is increasing every year. In 2021, over 12,000 people were referred into the National Referral Mechanism – the UK’s scheme for identifying modern slavery victims and ensuring they receive the support they need.

In Leeds alone, there were 228 victims referred to the NRM by West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council last year. And there are many more people that continue to be exploited.

Children and adults of all ages, genders and ethnicities are being trafficked and exploited in Leeds, the UK and all over the world every day. Modern slavery victims can be forced into labour, crime, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. The fear, violence and abuse that victims are being subjected to is horrifying.

Here in Leeds, we are committed to rooting out exploitation, pursing perpetrators and supporting victims – but we need your help. Join us on Anti-Slavery Day 2022 as we launch our Leeds Pledge to Tackle Modern Slavery and find out how you can play your part in putting an end to this heinous crime.

We are delighted to welcome a number of significant key-note speakers to Leeds, including Dame Sarah Thornton DBE QPM and Dr Liz Such FHEA PhD. Subject matter experts from West Yorkshire Police, Palm Cove, Ashiana, Justice & Care, and Hope for Justice will also be joining us.

Guests from all sectors are encouraged to join us and we hope that each attendee will leave knowing how they can support the Leeds Pledge and take action, regardless of where they work, live or volunteer.

So, whether you are in the public sector, the voluntary sector, retail, hospitality, agriculture, beauty, production, construction, finance, tech, transport or something else – this event is for you.

Tickets are free of charge and limited, so please book now to secure your place.

#AntiSlaveryLeeds

This event is brought to you by Safer Leeds, West Yorkshire Police, Leeds Health and Care Partnership, Palm Cove and Ashiana.

Anti-Slavery Day 2022: Launch of the Leeds Pledge to Tackle Modern Slavery