Warnings over modern slavery in the South West
The South West Regional Manager for the Salvation Army is urging people to learn how to spot signs of modern slavery.
The Salvation Army has released figures showing that 182 individuals, including British nationals, were rescued from modern slavery and supported in the South West through safe houses and outreach services in 2025-26.
Their latest report reveals alarming rates of exploitation, covering forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and criminal activities like county lines drug dealing and theft.
Vulnerabilities such as poverty, isolation, and addiction commonly make individuals targets for exploitation.
The report indicates 364 British nationals entered Salvation Army services in 2025-26, with a significant portion experiencing criminal exploitation.
In total, 5,185 potential victims received support through the Government's Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract (MSVCC), with forced labour identified as the most prevalent exploitation type.
Kathy Betteridge, Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery at The Salvation Army, underscores the importance of early victim identification to prevent exploitation's long-term impacts, stressing greater public awareness and frontline training for timely support connections.
During the past year, 4,225 survivors accessed medical treatment, with additional counselling, legal advice, education, and work preparation provided.
Despite the challenges, increased government investment expedited access to support services.
Since 2011, The Salvation Army and its partners have assisted 32,736 survivors through the MSVCC.
The charity urges communities to learn the signs of modern slavery and act on concerns safely.
Concerns should be reported to The Salvation Army's confidential 24-hour referral helpline at 0800 808 3733.