An exhibition to raise awareness of human trafficking is set to take place in Liverpool city centre on Thursday, (18 October) to mark Anti-Slavery day.



The immersive walk through exhibition, named ‘Journey to Freedom’ and launched by Lee House Centre for Mission Awareness in conjunction with the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and Merseyside Police, tells the stories of three people forced into modern day slavery.

Using bespoke audio/visual and sensory design, it offers a compelling learning experience as participants are immersed the real-life stories of those forced into domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and enforced labour.

Officers are encouraging members of the public to attend the exhibition between 10am and 4am on Thursday (18 October) in Church Street, Liverpool City Centre.

Detective Superintendent John Webster, from the force’s Major Crime Unit said: “The exhibition is a great way to raise awareness of this global issue among the general public and I would encourage anyone in the area on Thursday to stop by and take a look. Of the tens of thousands of people who are thought to be trafficked in and out of the country every year, only a small proportion of these cases are brought to the attention of the police and other agencies, something we are determined to change.

“One of our objectives is to help the victims themselves understand what is happening to them is wrong and can be prevented if they speak out. Modern slavery is often hidden in plain sight and so opportunities such as this exhibition allow us to educate the public about how they can spot the signs and what they can do to help.

"Modern slavery takes many forms but some of the most common are sexual exploitation, forced labour and domestic servitude. Victims are forced to work in poor conditions and against their will in many different sectors including brothels, cannabis farms, nail bars, car washes, agriculture, construction, and even in people’s homes. The force has officers who are specially trained to investigate these crimes with expertise and sensitivity. I would encourage anyone who is a victim or has information to find the courage to come forward and speak to us.”

Detective Superintendent Lisa Mahon, of North West Regional Organised Crime Unit said: “By working closely with partners across the region, we are able to understand, identify and tackle serious and organised crime such as modern slavery and human trafficking.

“Offenders involved in human trafficking prey on extremely vulnerable people, often people who have come from a foreign country, do not know the language and are desperate to provide for themselves and their families. The offenders callously exploit that desperation for their own ends, and we are determined to put a stop to that.

“There is a strong network of support available to victims and anyone affected by these issues or who has any information can contact police by calling 101, @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK. Alternatively you can contact the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 121 700 or visit https://www.unseenuk.org/.”