Modern slavery charity Causeway has introduced a groundbreaking new tool, the Exploitation Risk Checker, designed to help individuals identify if they may be experiencing or at risk of criminal or sexual exploitation. Launched during Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the tool was developed in collaboration with survivors of modern slavery and aims to provide crucial support to vulnerable individuals.
Globally, an estimated 50 million people are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation, with over 100,000 of those cases occurring in the UK. Survivors often face forced labour, criminal exploitation, and sexual exploitation.
The Exploitation Risk Checker is the first tool of its kind in the UK. It offers a confidential self-assessment experience, allowing users to answer a series of questions to determine if they might be at risk or currently experiencing exploitation. The tool also provides tailored guidance, resources, and signposting to support services for further assistance.
Criminal exploitation involves coercion into participating in unlawful activities, while sexual exploitation refers to being forced into sexual acts or other activities for sexual purposes. Both are common forms of modern slavery that the tool aims to address by increasing awareness and enabling early intervention.
Causeway’s initiative marks a significant step in empowering individuals to take action against modern slavery and fostering a broader understanding of exploitation in the UK.
From July 2023 to June 2024, 86% of criminal exploitation victims in the UK were male, and 88% of sexual exploitation victims were female, as identified through the government’s National Referral Mechanism.
Causeway has developed the Exploitation Risk Checker in partnership with three survivors of modern slavery. These include Emily Vaughn, author of the Sunday Times bestseller Enslaved: My True Story of Survival. From 11 years old, Emily was both criminally and sexually exploited, which continued for 10 years.
London-based entrepreneur and mum-of-three Sabrina Hewitt has also been involved in the risk checker creation. As a child, Sabrina was exploited by a family member. As she moved into her teens, she was then groomed by a boyfriend and forced into county lines.
Nelson Omoragbon is the third survivor who has partnered with Causeway to develop the risk checker. Nelson is now a social advocate and lived experience consultant, who works with young people and organisations to identify and prevent modern slavery and exploitation.
The Exploitation Risk Checker is available for anybody to use who is concerned they, or somebody they know, may be experiencing or at risk of criminal exploitation or sexual exploitation. A second similar tool is due to be launched by Causeway later in the year, which will help somebody identify if they may be at risk or experiencing forced labour.
Emily Vaughn, Ambassador for Causeway and risk checker co-creator, said:
“It’s important to have developed the Exploitation Risk Checker because it serves as a vital tool for identifying and addressing potential risks faced by individuals, helping to prevent exploitation before it occurs. Being involved in its development fills me with pride, as it reflects a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting awareness about the complexities of exploitation. This initiative not only empowers individuals to recognise risks but also creates a proactive approach to combating modern slavery, ultimately contributing to a safer and more informed community.”
Edwin Buckley, Head of Communications and Engagement at Causeway, said:
“We are really proud to be starting 2025 with the launch of our brand new Exploitation Risk Checker. Signs of modern slavery and exploitation can be nuanced and hard to spot, and those who are experiencing it may not know what to do or how to find support. We hope this free and confidential self-assessment tool will serve as a vital resource for those concerned for themselves or somebody they know. We would also like to send a huge thank you to Emily Vaughn, Sabrina Hewitt and Nelson Omoragbon, who have provided their own expertise and lived experience to support Causeway with the development of the Exploitation Risk Checker.”
