Denied water, exploited, trafficked, and trapped - pioneering research from Lancaster University Management School is documenting the lived experiences of men, women and children trapped in modern slavery in the hope that their work can make a difference.
Despite being hidden behind criminality, making research challenging, a team of academics is breaking new ground and believes this sensitive, high-profile issue demands attention.
From first-hand investigations in textile factories in Asia to collaboration with multi-billion-pound fashion brands, the team is leading efforts in the UK to investigate, remediate, report on and prevent modern slavery.
Underpinning much of their work are the voices of those experiencing or at risk of modern slavery, described as the recruitment or trafficking of men, women, or children using force, coercion, abuse of vulnerability and deception to exploit them.