THE Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, visited the Northumbria Police force area to mark the launch of a new regional strategy aimed at strengthening the fight against modern slavery and exploitation.

The visit, which took place ahead of Anti-Slavery Day on Sunday, brought together members of the Northumbria Anti-Slavery Network to showcase the work being done locally to identify victims, disrupt offenders and strengthen support for those affected by exploitation.

Hosted by Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, the visit also provided the opportunity for the Network to present its new strategy, setting out a shared commitment to tackling modern slavery through stronger partnership working, improved information sharing, enhanced support for victim-survivors.

Discussions covered local challenges and priorities helping to bring Northumbria’s experiences and insights into wider national conversations around prevention, victim support and enforcement.

Modern slavery remains one of the most hidden forms of offending, affecting people through labour exploitation, human trafficking, criminal exploitation, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude.

Across Northumbria, partners continue to work together to identify those at risk and pursue those responsible. Last year, a high-profile operation in Newcastle led to ten arrests and ten potential victims being safeguarded as part of an investigation into suspected human trafficking and sexual exploitation. And only last week three people were arrested as part of an investigation into modern slavery across Newcastle, Gateshead and South Tyneside. Acting on intelligence, officers carried out arrests at addresses in the Elswick, Bensham and Boldon Colliery areas on Wednesday, October 14.The

Northumbria Anti-Slavery Network was established in 2025 by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and Northumbria Police’s Serious Organised Crime Exploitation Team. It brings together representatives from Northumbria Police, the six local authorities across the force area, the Violence Reduction Unit and the voluntary and community sector to strengthen the region’s response to modern slavery and exploitation.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth, said:

“Modern slavery is a devastating crime that can leave people trapped, isolated and stripped of their freedom and dignity. While it often remains hidden from public view, we know these crimes are happening in our communities and Northumbria is not immune.

“That’s why tackling modern slavery and exploitation features in my Police and Crime Plan. This network is about bringing together partners from across the region to strengthen our response, improve the support available to victim-survivors and ensure we are doing everything possible to identify and prevent exploitation.

“What’s particularly important is that we listen to people with lived experience. Their voices help us better understand the realities of exploitation and ensure our work is informed by those who have been most affected.”

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Eleanor Lyons, said:

“It was a pleasure to meet everyone and hear about the work taking place across the region to tackle modern slavery and exploitation. I came away with a great deal to reflect on.”

“It is particularly encouraging to see modern slavery recognised within the Police and Crime Plan. I know from my work the challenge of maintaining both national and local focus on this issue, so it is especially welcome to see that commitment translated into a strong regional partnership approach.”

“I also valued the emphasis on survivor voice within the new strategy. Survivor insight is vital, not only in helping us understand the realities of exploitation, but in shaping priorities and ensuring that prevention and support are grounded in people’s lived experiences.”

ENDS

Anyone concerned that they, or someone they know, may be a victim of modern slavery or exploitation is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police via their website, by using the live chat function, by sending a direct message on social media, or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is in progress, always call 999. Full details of victim services can be found here.

View the Northumbria Anti-Slavery Network Strategy and Delivery Plan 2026-2029 here.