Impact article: how do we reduce domestic servitude risk in the developed world?

What is it about?

This article explains how a group of linked research projects helped shape policies to reduce the risk of domestic servitude—a severe form of modern slavery—among people providing live‑in care in private homes. The researchers used a mix of methods, including working directly with care workers, comparing international examples, estimating how widespread exploitation might be, and running group problem‑solving sessions. Their work shows that it is possible to bring the experiences of marginalised workers into public policy discussions, but it also raises ethical questions about how to include the voices of all affected groups fairly. The project led to practical guidance for organisations that commission adult social care, helping them assess and reduce modern slavery risks. Because domestic servitude is often hidden, the research also aimed to increase workers’ visibility and confidence by training them in research and community advocacy.

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