Cornerstone fighting Human Trafficking in East London
Human trafficking is on the rise – globally and in South Africa. It is not a crime that people are really aware of – although in light of incidents in the last few days in little old East London, it seems to suddenly be on everybody’s radar!
But what is human trafficking? And how does it affect us?
This heinous crime is, in a nutshell, the buying and selling of a person in order to make a profit. It can happen in a variety of ways, but it is always the exploitation of a vulnerability. For example, many victims have been tricked by traffickers who offered them a too good to be true job opportunity. And of course, there is abduction.
In a lot of ways, “Stranger Danger” is an outdated concept. Forty seven percent of trafficking victims know their trafficker. Children are far more likely to be at risk, groomed or abused by adults known to them. So as much as abductions by complete strangers is a concern, we need to be equipping our children to protect themselves in any situation.
As a parent, I fully understand the fear and confusion that has infiltrated East London in the last week or so. Talk of attempted kidnappings is a terrifying topic, and not something that any parent wants to discuss with their child
But the truth is that there is a difference between paranoia and caution. Do not allow yourself to act from a place of fear – but rather from knowing that you are empowered to protect yourself and your family.
Children are incredibly resourceful little people – and with a bit of education from their caregiver, they can be equipped and empowered to be little warriors. There are a few simple steps that one can take to empower one’s children.
1. Safe and Unsafe Situations
Explain that your body is amazing and can be trusted, and that it will warn you when you are in danger. Assist your child to recognise what their body feels like in an unsafe situation. For example, your heart beats faster, you may sweat, you get butterflies in your tummy etc. Discuss what you should do in an unsafe situation.
2. NO, GO and TELL
In an unsafe situation:
NO! | Shout NO! Explain that it is okay to be rude to a grown up if they are making you feel unsafe. |
GO! | – Run away while making lots of noise. – If someone “scoops” you up, kick, scream, bite and fight. – Go to a safe place. – Find a grown up (mother with children/store clerk) to help you. |
TELL! | Tell a grown up you trust what has happened. If that grown up does not help you, tell another grown up, and another, until one does help you. |
3. The Magic Word
Institute a magic word or password with your child, such as “hotdogs”. Explain that you will never send someone to fetch them from school that they do not know. If you have not arranged with your child about an unusual pick up, your child must ask the person for the agreed upon magic word. If the person does not know the magic word, your child should say, “I will not go with you. I am going to wait with my teacher until my parent arrives”. This magic word can also be used if your child is at a friend’s house and feels uncomfortable. This gives them the option to contact you, say something that sounds basic (“Can we have hotdogs for supper tomorrow?”), and allows you as the parent to understand that they would like to be collected – all without making it awkward for your child!
4. Foster an open relationship
Having an open relationship with your child is absolutely crucial. This allows your child to express any worries or concerns they may have- such as any strange people they may have seen hanging around, or any uncomfortable situations they may have been in or witnessed.
Cornerstone
At Cornerstone we are passionate about seeing an end to human trafficking and modern day slavery. One of the best ways to do this is through education and awareness.
We at Cornerstone offer free presentations for:
?Children- protective behaviour- this empowers children to know what to do when they feel unsafe, as well as to know the difference between safe and unsafe situations.
?Adults (parents/ caregivers/ teachers) – protective behaviour- how to empower your children, as well as tips to keep them safe.
?Teens- human trafficking awareness and safety
? Teens- social media savvy
?Adults- human trafficking awareness and safety
Please contact Kandas (083 422 7744) from Cornerstone or email them if you are interested in any of these presentations, as well as resources to educate and empower.
Together we can make a dent in the crime that is human trafficking.
Article & Graphics: Cornerstone