Police unveil new safe space for modern slavery victims

Haven House is a place where victims can wash, eat and rest before being debriefed as part of ongoing investigations.

Funded by a Home Office grant, it is hoped Haven House will provide an alternative to taking victims to a police station, which can potentially be traumatising.

The on site video interview suite will allow victims to stay under the same roof, in a safer and more comfortable environment.

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Other features include a shower and bathroom, seating area, a meal preparation and dining area.

Picture: West Yorkshire Police.

Meanwhile officers have access to food vouchers and hygiene packs, including toiletries.

Culturally significant items such as a prayer mat and a copy of the Quran are being provided by the Muslim Police Association (MPA).

Amy Morris, modern slavery partnerships officer at the force, said: “It’s a step forward in our fight to tackle modern slavery.

“Having this kind of facility means we can provide a more comfortable environment, which will hopefully provide an opportunity for officers and staff to build a rapport with victims.

“We are grateful for the support we have received from Modern Slavery and Organised Immigration Crime Unit to help make it possible.”

Packages prepared by West Yorkshire Police for victims. Picture: West Yorkshire Police

Signs of modern slavery 

Possible signs of modern slavery can include: 

• Do the people living at a house appear isolated or secretive?
• Do more people appear to be living in a house than would normally be expected?
• Are the windows of a house covered from the inside?
• Have you ever noticed anyone taking an excessive amount of bed mattresses into a house?
• Do the people living in a house get collected/taken to work early in the morning and returned late at night?
• Have you noticed anyone who appears to be living in outbuildings/barns/trailers or under any other roofs that make you suspicious?

For more advice and signs to look out for, visit the West Yorkshire Police website (www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/modern-slavery/modern-slavery-human-trafficking)

How to report modern slavery

Suspicious members of the public are asked to contact The Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121700 or www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit the website.

Ring 999 if you feel someone’s life is in danger.

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