Modern slavery is an abhorrent crime that exploits women, children and men for numerous purposes – including for sex, forced labour, domestic servitude, criminal activity and even sometimes for organ harvesting.

It is a crime that permeates every country in the world, and the UK is not exempt.

There were 40.3 million people trapped in modern slavery in 2016 – around 70 per cent of those women and girls. In the UK alone, the most recent estimate shows that 136,000 people are trapped in exploitation.

A new report form the Home Office estimates that modern slavery costs the UK up to £4.3bn a year, (although this is based on a 2014 estimate of the number of victims, therefore the figure is likely to be much higher).

Today (30 July) marks the UN World Day against Trafficking in Persons. This is a great time to reflect on what has been done to tackle modern slavery in the UK, but also what more could be done.

The UK has taken several steps to tackle modern slavery, with new anti-trafficking laws introduced across Northern Ireland, Scotland and England and Wales in 2015.

The Modern Slavery Act includes some ground-breaking provisions that apply across the whole of the UK with reach far beyond these shores including the creation of an Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and requiring businesses with an annual turnover of £36m or higher to disclose the steps they take to tackle slavery in their supply chains. (Click here to see what Kevin Hyland OBE, who stepped down as Anti-Slavery Commissioner earlier this month achieved during his time in the role.)

The Government has also set up public helplines for members of the public to report instances of modern slavery. Unseen UK, who the Government has contracted to run the helpline, dealt with 4,886 potential victims of modern slavery in 2017.

Victims of modern slavery are being left behind

Although the Modern Slavery Act was a great forward leap in tackling this crime, reducing modern slavery has to start with putting the needs of the victims first.

When a person escapes from modern slavery, they need help and most of all, they need security and stability as they face the uncertainties of the future.

At present, confirmed victims of trafficking are only offered 45 days of support. There have been many concerning reports that this has left victims destitute, homeless and re-trafficked.

There is a Bill in the Commons right now that seeks to address this injustice. It has the power to protect victims of trafficking from further exploitation and offer them the support they need to rebuild their lives.

It will give victims twelve months of support and the right to remain in the UK during that time.

The Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill is backed by leading anti-trafficking charities and businesses but it is at risk of running out of time if the Government does not support it.

Could you join us in letting the Government know how important this Bill is?

At freeforgood.org.uk you can send your MP an email asking them to back to the Bill. It takes just two minutes.

Doing this would send a clear message to the Government that the public back the need for new laws to protect modern slavery victims. It is a way for us to stand up and take action on behalf of the thousands trapped in modern slavery in the UK, to be a voice for the vulnerable.

If the UK wants to continue to lead the world in its response to modern slavery, it must begin with putting the victims first.