Modern slavery victims’ voices heard at exhibition

The Modern Slavery Victims’ Voices Exhibition has been located at the Atrium of the University’s Richmond Building all this week. 

The touring exhibition looks at the impact that modern slavery has within West Yorkshire communities and on its victims. 

The University’s launch event, held on 30 October, heard from representatives of West Yorkshire Police, Justice and Care, Palm Cove and Hope for Justice.

Speaking at the University’s exhibition launch, Dr Gareth Addidle, Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Bradford, said: “It is about raising awareness and giving a voice."

"The reason we are here today is to hear the strength of the people’s voices involved in modern slavery, exploitation and human trafficking. 

Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bradford, said: “It’s the most amazing tour going in the UK at the moment.

“The one thing about the University of Bradford is that we want to work with people who care about what matters. Our vision is a world of equality and opportunity. 

“I always know that listening to people’s voices is the biggest thing to do.”

The exhibition, which runs at the University until Sunday 5 November, includes displays giving a definition of modern slavery, support and legislation and statistics on hotspots for modern slavery in West Yorkshire over the last 12 months. 

It features videos with accounts from victims of modern slavery and case studies from people trapped in forced labour.
Examples of artwork created by victims of modern slavery also form part of the exhibition. Art therapy is a technique used to relax victims and help to distract them from their experiences. 

Visitors to the exhibition will also learn what agencies, including the police, in West Yorkshire are doing to prevent modern slavery and human trafficking in the area. 

They will also find out what people can do to stop modern slavery and human trafficking impacting on others in their community.

The West Yorkshire Anti-Slavery Partnership has teamed up with Palm Cove Society, Hope for Justice, Justice and Care and Ashiana to create the exhibition, speaking to victims of modern slavery in the county.

The exhibition, organised by West Yorkshire Police, will tour a host of venues in West Yorkshire until 19 November after it was launched last month. 

The University of Bradford is the exhibition’s only location stop in the city during its tour. Other locations that the exhibition will visit include Huddersfield, Dewsbury and Wakefield. 

Go to westyorkshire.police.uk/VictimsVoicesExhibition for more information on the exhibition.

Anyone who suspects trafficking or human exploitation, can report information and intelligence to the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700 or go to modernslaveryhelpline.org. In an emergency, people should call the emergency services on 999. 

Go to westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/modern-slavery/modern-slavery-human-trafficking for more information on modern slavery or human trafficking.