This table provides metadata for the actual indicator available from UK statistics closest to the corresponding global SDG indicator. Please note that even when the global SDG indicator is fully available from UK statistics, this table should be consulted for information on national methodology and other UK-specific metadata information.
| Indicator available |
Child victims of modern slavery in the UK |
|---|---|
| Indicator description |
The number of potential minor victims of modern slavery who received a positive reasonable grounds decision within the National Referral Mechanism (NRM). This is a proxy for the global indicator as it only provides number, as opposed to proportion. |
| Geographical coverage |
United Kingdom |
| Unit of measurement |
Number of children |
| Definitions |
Child - For this indicator a child is regarded as someone under the age of 18 years, or thought to be under the age of 18 years, at the time of exploitation. Modern Slavery - an umbrella term for all forms of slavery, human trafficking and exploitation. NRM - The National Referral Mechanism is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support. Please see the National referral mechanism guidance - adult (England and Wales) |
| Available disaggregations |
Sex; Type of exploitation |
| Calculations |
No calculations were performed as the data is readily available from the source. |
| Other information |
There is no one data source that accurately quantifies the number of child victims in the UK. The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) currently provides the best measure of potential victims, although is known to be an undercount. Please see the Sourcing data on child victims of modern slavery, UK - progress report for details on the process of choosing to use NRM data. Within the Child victims of modern slavery in the UK - March 2022, the number of child victims may be lower in tables that disaggregate by 'age at the time of referral' than those that disaggregate by 'age at the time of exploitation' as a potential child victim could be referred to the NRM after the age of 18-years about exploitation which occured when they were a minor. This indicator is being used as an approximation of the UN SDG Indicator. Where possible, we will work to identify or develop UK data to meet the global indicator specification. This indicator has been identified in collaboration with topic experts. |
| Data last updated | 28 April 2022 |
| Metadata last updated | 06 April 2023 |