Economic and sexual exploitation is a hidden problem across Dorset and Wiltshire, in both rural and urban areas. The Diocese of Salisbury is taking steps to raise awareness of the issues and help parishes understand how to report concerns.
The Clewer Initiative is a key organisation working to help tackle the issues and facilitate local response. The Clewer Initiative helps Church of England and wider church networks to detect modern slavery in their communities and help provide victim support and care. There are a number of excellent resources on their website that can be used by churches towards awareness raising.
There are further resources available for the fight against modern day slavery on antislavery.org, where there is also a very helpful description of what modern slavery entails.
Anti-Slavery Day and Week
Anti-Slavery Week runs between 17-23 October 2022, with Anti-Slavery Day falling on 18 October. Parishes are encouraged to get their communities involved in the campaign. The Clewer Initiative has ideas and resources to equip those planning their weeks.
How to make your community slavery free
Seven Letters to the Church: A new study resource for Anti-Slavery Week
Anti-Slavery Day campaign 2022: Make it Slavery-Free Flyer