Modern slavery charity Causeway have joined forces with Yorkshire design agency Ginger Fox Studio to launch a pioneering new self-assessment risk checker digital tool. The ‘Exploitation Risk Checker’ allows individuals to answer a series of questions to see if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal or sexual exploitation. The risk checker has been developed in collaboration with real modern slavery survivors, and launches this month, to mark Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
It is estimated that worldwide, 50 million people are currently trapped in modern slavery and exploitation, with over 100,000 of those in the UK. Survivors in the UK will most commonly have experienced forced labour, criminal exploitation and sexual exploitation.
To mark Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which takes place in January, modern slavery charity Causeway have partnered with Barnsley-based brand and design agency Ginger Fox Studio, to launch an Exploitation Risk Checker.
This is a UK first, with the risk checker serving as a self-assessment tool. Individuals are able to answer a series of questions themselves, which assists them in identifying if they may be experiencing, or at risk of, criminal exploitation or sexual exploitation. It also offers information, guidance and signposting about what steps they can then take to gain further help and support.
Criminal exploitation is a form of modern slavery which involves a person being forced to take part in criminal activity against their will or through coercion. Sexual exploitation involves a person being forced to take part in sexual activities, or activities for sexual purposes.
Causeway and Ginger Fox Studio collaborated with three survivors of modern slavery to develop the Exploitation Risk Checker. These include Emily Vaughn, author of Sunday Times bestseller Enslaved: My True Story of Survival. From 11-years-old, Emily was both criminally and sexually exploited, which continued for 10 years.
Entrepreneur and mum-of-three Sabrina Hewitt has also been involved in the risk checker creation. As a child, Sabrina was exploited by a family member. As she moved into her teens, she was then groomed by a boyfriend and forced into county lines.
Nelson Omoragbon is the third survivor who has been involved in the development. Nelson is now a social advocate and lived experience consultant, who works with young people and organisations to identify and prevent modern slavery and exploitation.
The Exploitation Risk Checker is available for anybody to use who is concerned they, or somebody they know, may be experiencing or at risk of criminal exploitation or sexual exploitation. A second similar tool is due to be developed by Causeway and Ginger Fox Studio later in the year, which will help somebody identify if they may be at risk of or experiencing forced labour.
Edwin Buckley, Head of Communications and Engagement at Causeway, said: “We are really proud to be starting 2025 with the launch of our brand new Exploitation Risk Checker. Signs of modern slavery and exploitation can be nuanced and hard to spot, and those who are experiencing it may not know what to do or how to find support. We hope this free and confidential self-assessment tool will serve as a vital resource for those concerned for themselves or somebody they know. It has been a really innovative, creative and enjoyable experience working with the team at Ginger Fox Studio to bring this product to fruition. We would also like to send a huge thank you to Emily Vaughn, Sabrina Hewitt and Nelson Omoragbon, who have provided their own expertise and lived experience to support us with the development of the Exploitation Risk Checker.”
Neil Garrett, Founder and Creative Director at Ginger Fox Studio, said: “It was a real honour to partner with Causeway and a team of Live Experience Consultants to design the Exploitation Risk Checker. We’ve ensured it’s been designed to be user focused with the customer journey at the forefront, as it’s really important the risk checker is completely accessible and engaging for everyone to use. It’s a really innovative product that we hope will help and make a tangible difference to those who may be experiencing or at risk of exploitation.”
Emily Vaughn said: “It’s important to have developed the Exploitation Risk Checker because it serves as a vital tool for identifying and addressing potential risks faced by individuals, helping to prevent exploitation before it occurs. Being involved in its development fills me with pride, as it reflects a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting awareness about the complexities of exploitation. This initiative not only empowers individuals to recognise risks but also creates a proactive approach to combating modern slavery, ultimately contributing to a safer and more informed community.”
Sabrina Hewitt said: “I’m proud to have contributed to the development of this self-assessment risk checker and bridging lived experience with professional expertise. This is a ground-breaking resource that combines the knowledge of survivors like me, with Causeway’s extensive expertise in modern slavery and safeguarding, and Ginger Fox Studio’s digital and design skills. With mine and other survivors’ consultation, I believe it to be practical and accessible tool, giving individuals and professionals the confidence to recognize and respond to potential risks of exploitation. By using the Exploitation Risk Checker, we can all play a part in identifying and preventing harm.”
Nelson Omoragbon said: “I am really proud to be involved in developing this new Exploitation Risk Checker. I hope it will help others who may be in a situation like I was, letting them know that there are options, places they can go to find support, and people they can speak to. It sometimes felt like I was alone and I had no one to turn to, I thought this was going to be my life forever, but this is what exploiters want you to think. Opening up and talking to someone I trusted literally changed my life.”
To access Causeway’s Exploitation Risk Checker, please visit: www.WeAreCauseway.org.uk/RiskChecker