Chichester District councillors are marking Anti-Slavery Day on Sunday 18 October, by signing up to a joint pledge to stop all forms of slavery, human trafficking and exploitation.
Anti-Slavery Day aims to raise awareness of the dangers and consequences of modern-day slavery and human trafficking and the Sussex Anti-Slavery network has already been driving efforts to ensure that partners, but in particular local authorities in Sussex support medium and long term plans towards the eradication of slavery and exploitation in Sussex.
The Pledge states: "As leaders across Sussex we commit to doing everything in our power to make our county free of modern slavery.
"We will work proactively with national and local government, law enforcement agencies, businesses, the voluntary and community sector, faith bodies and our local communities to:
- Demonstrate strong local leadership for anti-slavery initiatives;
- Raise awareness amongst our staff, associates and the people we serve on a daily basis;
- Continue to train our staff to recognise and respond appropriately to potential signs of slavery;
- Share intelligence and information to help detect slavery and ensure it cannot take root;
- Support victims and survivors in our communities;
- Remove slave-based labour from our supply chains;
- Contribute to building a prosperous and slavery-free local economy.”
Councillor Eileen Lintill, Leader of Chichester District Council, said: “Chichester District Council is proud to join with other organisations across Sussex to renew our commitment to do everything we can to end modern slavery.
“Modern slavery is a serious crime that is often hidden in plain sight. Perpetrators exploit people from all backgrounds. On Anti-Slavery Day we are urging people to learn more about the issue, as the best way that we can tackle it is by working together.
“If you think you have information that might identify or locate a potential victim or suspect for modern slavery, or someone you know is a victim of modern slavery, or even a location where you think exploitation might be happening, please report it online, by visiting: www.sussex.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/, or call Sussex Police on 101.
“You can also contact the national Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or the Salvation Army Modern Slavery helpline on 0300 303 8151, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
For more information about modern slavery and how to combat it, please visit: