how much do
you know about trafficking?

Test your knowledge of one of the world’s most highly profitable crimes with our short quiz. You may be shocked by what you discover… 

take the human trafficking quiz

Human trafficking is a global problem, affecting millions of men, women and children every day. But how much do you really know about the one of the most widespread crimes in the world?

We’ve put together 12 shocking facts about human trafficking and modern slavery in the UK and beyond. Find out how much you know about this highly profitable, criminal industry. 

How did you do?

You might have been surprised by how much you didn’t know about human trafficking and modern slavery. But this problem is far from simple, and we’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to untangling the complexities of modern slavery.

However there are lots of simple things you can do to help stop ruthless traffickers preying on vulnerable people. This starts with educating yourself and using your voice to raise awareness of the issue.

Find out more facts about trafficking and modern slavery, including what makes a person vulnerable and the part played by climate change, on our facts and figures page.

Or read first-hand accounts from the survivors we work with and learn what you can do to help below.

what is human trafficking?

Defining the key terms of human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery.

It involves the recruitment or movement of people for the purpose of exploitation by means of force, fraud, coercion or deception.

Men, women and children can be trafficked for various purposes, including forced and bonded labour, criminal exploitation, domestic servitude, forced marriage or prostitution, and in extreme cases, organ harvesting.

Human trafficking does not have to involve the crossing of international borders, it can also happen within the same country, city or even the same street.

Traffickers operate online as well as in public spaces, using fraudulent employment agencies, false promises and job adverts to trick and deceive their victims.

People walking on a UK high street; human trafficking facts

common human trafficking myths and facts

There is many myths and misconceptions about what trafficking is, who is affected and how it takes place. Here we dispel seven of the most common ones.

spot the signs of trafficking

Could you spot a victim of trafficking? Here are six general indicators to look out for.

Do they seem isolated?

Is their freedom of movement restricted?

Are they reluctant to seek help?

Does their physical appearance show signs of negligence?

Do they have poor living conditions?

Have you noticed unusual travel arrangements?

survivors in their own words

Read first-hand accounts from survivors of trafficking and modern slavery of how they came to be trafficked.

survivor stories and more

Get regular updates on Unseen’s support for survivors, Helpline news and our wide-ranging work to end modern slavery.

Call the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700
Justine Currell

As I came to understand more about the issue, including through a visit to an Unseen safehouse, I knew I needed to do more to stop this abuse and exploitation.

For the last five years of my Civil Service career, I was the Modern Slavery Senior Policy Advisor in the Home Office and led on development of the Modern Slavery Act, including the transparency in supply chains provision and business guidance.

I joined Unseen to lead the development of the Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, and Unseen’s work with businesses. I am regularly called upon to present at national and international conferences and use my experience of working with Ministers to influence other governments internationally to take action to address modern slavery and, in particular, business supply chain issues.

In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, music, reading and travelling.

Andrew Wallis

What ultimately compelled me to act was a report on how people from Eastern Europe were being trafficked through Bristol airport to the USA. Kate Garbers, who went on to be an Unseen Director, and I wrote to all the city councillors, MPs and the Police Chief Constable challenging them on the issue. The challenge came back to us: this city needs safe housing for trafficked women. And so Unseen began.

But we never wanted Unseen to be just about safe housing. We wanted to end slavery once and for all, and that remains our driving focus.

I chaired the working group for the Centre for Social Justice’s landmark report “It Happens Here: Equipping the United Kingdom to Fight Modern Slavery”. This is now acknowledged as the catalyst behind the UK’s Modern Slavery Act of 2015. It was a great honour to be awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours that year. On the other hand, I’ve also been described as “the loveliest disrupter you could ever hope to meet”.

This job has taken me from building flat-pack furniture for safehouses, to working with businesses to address slavery in supply chains, to delivering training, raising awareness and advising governments around the world.

When not at work, I enjoy travelling, spending time with my dog Harley, cooking, supporting Liverpool and Yorkshire CC, music (I’m a former DJ) and endurance events such as the Three Peaks Challenge and Tribe Freedom Runs – which I vow never to do again. Until the next time.