Modern Slavery in the care sector - Care recipients
Care recipients: Types of Modern Slavery
- Forced labour:
- Vulnerable care recipients compelled to work against their will.
- Domestic servitude:
- Care recipients trapped in servitude within private homes or residential settings.
- Physical and emotional abuse:
- Care recipients subjected to physical violence or emotional manipulation.
- Abuse as a means of control and intimidation.
- Financial exploitation:
- Mismanagement or exploitation of care recipients' finances.
- Leaving vulnerable individuals in a state of financial dependency.
- Neglect and medical exploitation:
- Deprivation of essential care and necessities for care recipients.
- Exploitation of medical conditions for profit or unnecessary treatments.
- Cuckooing/ home invasion
- Criminals taking over vulnerable individuals' homes for illegal activities.
- Disrupt the care and support that the vulnerable person receives, leading to neglect of their essential needs.
- Sexual exploitation
- Non-consensual sexual activities forced upon care recipients.
- Exploitation of vulnerability for sexual purposes.
Care recipients: Indicators of Modern Slavery
- Unexplained injuries: Frequent bruises, cuts, or injuries without plausible explanations.
- Withdrawn behaviour: Sudden social withdrawal or fear of interaction with caregivers or others.
- Change in appearance: Drastic changes in personal hygiene, grooming, or appearance.
- Reluctance to speak freely: Fear or hesitation in discussing living conditions or caregiver relationships.
- Unexplained financial transactions: Unusual or unexplained financial activities, missing possessions, or significant changes in financial status.
- Limited freedom of movement: Being kept away from social activities, family, or friends without valid reasons.
- Unusual visitors or changes in living arrangements: Strangers frequently visiting the care recipient or abrupt changes in their living situation.
- Fear or anxiety around caregivers: Expressing fear or anxiety towards specific caregivers or staff members.
- Lack of personal possessions: Missing personal items or clothing that are not replaced or explained.
- Unmet medical needs: Delays in receiving medical attention or lack of proper care for health issues.
- Signs of neglect: Untreated injuries, bedsores, or poor personal hygiene.
- Emotional distress: Unexplained mood swings, depression, or sudden emotional changes.
- Excessive obedience or fear: Overly compliant behaviour or extreme fear of displeasing caregivers.
- Excessive work hours: Care recipients engaged in heavy labour beyond their capacity.
- Signs of sexual abuse: Unexplained injuries in genital areas, torn clothing, or sexually transmitted infections.