Reports of modern slavery increase by 30 per cent in Wales

New data from the National Crime Agency shows a 30 per cent increase in reports of modern slavery cases across Wales in 2018.

The statistics show there were 251 referrals of potential cases of modern slavery last year compared to 193 in 2017. Of the 251, 125 were children and 126 adults.

Many victims of modern slavery come to the UK to try and escape abuse but then become vulnerable to exploitation.

Most of the 251 cases involved victims whose country of origin is the UK but victims originally from Vietnam, Sudan and Albania were also reported.

The 30 per cent increase in 2018 follows a 56 per cent increase the year before that.

First Minister, Mark Drakeford and Stephen Chapman, the Welsh Government’s Anti-Human Trafficking Co-ordinator, will be speaking about the statistics at a slave trade remembrance event in Butetown on Friday 23.

The event is organised by UNISON Cymru Wales.

To report slavery you can call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 012 1700.

If you are a victim of modern slavery you can call 0800 731 8147 for help.