Spotting the signs of debt bondage

Parents are usually the first to identify signs and notice that something is wrong. It is crucial that you log your concerns and seek support from safeguarding professionals to create a safeguarding plan as soon as possible. Every child’s situation may be different. You may see real changes in your child’s behaviour. The list below isn’t exhaustive but if you identify any concerns seek help immediately:

• Stealing money or items of value as a way of paying back their debt.
• Exploiters may come to your home, workplace, your child’s school to reclaim a debt. This can often involve them threatening you, your child and your family.
• They may have items stolen from them to pay for the debt and when asked what’s happened they don’t give an explanation or become defensive.
• They may disclose that they owe money but will not provide information about who they owe it to or why.You may see a change in their behaviour such as becoming increasingly angry, aggressive, withdrawn, uncommunicative or secretive as well as being unable to sleep.
• You may see signs of physical harm, which they may try and hide from you or refuse medical treatment.
• They may start to carry weapons for their own personal protection. You may find evidence of the weapons stored or hidden in your home or in the areas around your house such as gardens, sheds, and drains.