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30 Jun 2023

It is a very tragic fact that slavery has existed throughout history in many different forms and even though it is officially abolished in most countries, it still exists today in various guises.

Of course, this presents a real issue if you have companies or businesses that operate in part overseas, in countries like Indonesia, where there is a higher incidence of slavery being reported.

However, before you panic, it is important to note that if you or your company do get caught up in incidents of slavery overseas, there are legal options for you that can help.

At ABV Solicitors, our criminal solicitor will be happy to discuss your case and, of course, will offer you steps and guidance on what you need to do should such a thing occur. We will not judge you and will offer impartial, confidential advice that can really help you to resolve these issues and get your business and reputation back on track.

So, before all that, it is important to have an idea of what the different kinds of slavery are. Here are the different types of slavery that are seen in modern settings today, according to our criminal solicitor.

Chattel slavery

This is the most well-known form of slavery and involves a person being owned by an individual or a family.

Chattel slaves were treated as property and could be bought, sold, and inherited. This form of slavery was prevalent in the Americas during the colonial era, and while most people want to think that such situations no longer exist, according to our criminal solicitor, they are still occurring.

Debt bondage

This type of slavery involves a person being forced to work to pay off debts. The debt can be real or fabricated, and the person is forced to work for free until the debt is paid off. Debt bondage is prevalent in South Asia, particularly in countries like India and Pakistan.

Forced labour

Forced labour involves people being forced to work against their will, often in dangerous or degrading conditions. This type of slavery can take many forms, including forced labour in mines, factories, or agricultural fields.

Child slavery

Child slavery involves the exploitation of children for labour or other purposes. Young children are typically forced to work in hazardous conditions, and they are often denied access to education or healthcare. Child slavery is prevalent in many parts of the world, particularly in Asia and Africa.

Sex trafficking

Sex trafficking involves the exploitation of people, often women and children, for sexual purposes. Victims are often forced into prostitution or other forms of sexual exploitation, and they are often subjected to physical and emotional abuse. Sex trafficking is prevalent in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Domestic servitude

Domestic servitude involves the exploitation of people as domestic workers. Victims are isolated from their families and communities and subjected to long hours of work without pay.

Remember, all of these types of slavery are equally serious, and if your company has been accused of being involved with any of them, then you need to seek legal advice from our team at ABV Solicitors.