West Yorkshire’s Modern Slavery exhibition launched its five-week tour in Leeds on Monday the 16th of October.
The exhibition focuses on victims’ voices and experiences to raise awareness among the public.
Jordan Alexander, from Palm Cove Society charity, said: “Everyone does something for Modern Slavery Awareness Day and this year we decided to give victims a chance to share their experiences.
“Clients and staff have been given a chance to submit artwork to share their trauma and symbolise how it feels for them, taking it to a whole new level.”
Mr Alexander also explained how there is an increased rate of witchcraft-related abuse in West Yorkshire to lure women and children into the country.
He added: “What’s going on is horrific and needs to stop. These methods of controlling people must end.”
In 2022, there were 82 reported cases linked to witchcraft in Leeds and 42 in Bradford, which are the highest rates in the country and there are still many which remain unreported.
Mr Alexander explained that traffickers are luring women and children into the UK under the guise and manipulation of spirituality, black magic and the evil eye to force them into sex exploitation
He said: “These women are forced into a blood oath to their trafficker and binding them to do what they say.”
The modern slavery exhibition is shining a light on the victims and survivors of these crimes and has given these victims the start they should have had when they entered the country.
On the 30th of October, the exhibition will have a bigger launch at the University of Bradford with a variety of speakers and organisers.