What kind of abuse might be indicated if a child reports their auntie is locked in her room and only allowed out to cook and clean?

The situation described, where a child reports that their aunt is locked in her room and only allowed out to cook and clean, suggests scenarios often associated with modern-day slavery. This form of abuse encompasses situations in which individuals are subjected to coercive circumstances, deprived of their freedom, and forced to perform labor or services under threats or manipulation.

In this specific case, the confinement of the aunt raises significant concerns about her autonomy and well-being. The restriction on her freedom to move about and the limited scope of her activity—only being allowed out for chores—points towards exploitation and a lack of basic rights, which are core elements of modern-day slavery.

While emotional abuse, physical abuse, and neglect are critical issues in childcare contexts, in this situation, the primary concern centers around the coercive environment that reflects characteristics of slavery, such as control, exploitation, and a violation of human rights. Therefore, identifying this instance as modern-day slavery provides a clearer understanding of the severity and nature of the reported abuse.