Tough Anti-Slavery Measures Come Into Force

Anti-slavery measures come into force today which aim to strengthen victims' protection from prosecution for crimes committed during their exploitation.

The measures are being introduced under the Modern Day Slavery act and include a statutory defence for victims.

They also include the introduction of reparation orders and measures which encourage courts to use assets seized from perpetrators to compensate victims.

Cases of modern slavery across Britain include the forced cultivation of drugs, forced agricultural labour and sexual or domestic servitude.

The Salvation Army says it has helped more than 2,500 men, women and families over the past four years.

Official figures suggest as many as 13,000 people remain trapped in modern day slavery in the UK.

Anne Read, anti-trafficking and slavery director at the Salvation Army, said: "Everyone engaged in this work is pleased that something is being done, there is now an escalation in effort.

"There are thousands of people trapped in situations not of their choosing, doing things they do not what to do and things need to be done to help them and to stop anybody else being sold in to slavery."