The Children's Society’s Post

Human trafficking is a term frequently mentioned today, but few people truly understand its various forms and signs. The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is even less familiar to the average person. But what do those terms actually mean? And what do they REALLY look like in our communities? And most importantly: what can we do to stop them? On Wednesday, July 31 at 3 p.m. EST (2 p.m. CST), we're hosting a free virtual training: National CSEC 101. Through this practical training, you'll learn: -A basic overview of human trafficking and its various forms -How to recognize the signs of human trafficking -How to appropriately respond to suspected human trafficking -What Street Grace is doing to address human trafficking and the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) through prevention, protection, policy, and pursuit This training is open to everyone: parents, coaches, faith leaders, business leaders, caring adults—anyone interested in protecting vulnerable children and individuals from exploitation. Join us this Wednesday to learn practical steps for keeping our communities safe. Register here: https://ow.ly/y9Ru50SMI9F

Safeguarding is all about protecting individuals, especially vulnerable groups, from abuse and harm. As humanitarian workers, it is crucial to understand the various types of misconduct and the importance of taking action when violence or abuse is disclosed. Thanks to The Pandora Project's workshop, we delved into: - The types of abuse and misconduct that can occur. - How to respond and report when someone shares their experience of violence. - Power dynamics and how they impact our work. A big thanks to The Pandora Project and Indigo Volunteers for an insightful and interactive session!

What are some of the dangers of "red flags?" Via the National Survivor Network: This document, prepared for the Office for Victims of Crime by the Human Trafficking Collaborative, National Survivor Network, and the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, outlines why the framework of training and screening using “red flags” may not be as useful as we once thought. https://lnkd.in/gaccUMSH

Having attended a lunch and learn held by The Forward Trust yesterday I was sadly shocked by the growing statistics of Domestic Abuse cases. According to ONS, in 2022, an estimated 2.3 million adults experienced domestic abuse in the year prior. Showing a total of 1.6 million women and 757,000 men. Obviously it makes you think of the many cases that go unreported. What is the turning point? Do schools, colleges and high education need to raise and spread more awareness? Look at early intervention plans, such as programs that identify and intervene with at risk individuals. Especially, young people who may be exposed to unhealthy relationships or violence. How much is learnt behaviour? One thought of making it safer for victims to report which could involve keeping anonymous. And the biggest factor - legal framework and protection: Strengthening legislation, enforcing orders and access to legal aid for victims. It’s not about just tackling the reports but also to create an environment that prevents abuse in the first instance. All about professionals working together as one 🎀

Our new study on prevention of modern slavery, exploitation and trafficking of children and young people with SEND builds on our previous report. This identified pathways from school exclusion to exploitation, and the need for better support and provision for children with SEND in schools to act as a protective factor. Please read them together - the recommendations developed with young people, parents and frontline practitioners need to be heard.

Day: 7 Human trafficking awareness month: Prevention Beyond Protection Day 7 of human trafficking awareness month we are focusing on Addressing the Roots of Exploitation to Stop Human Trafficking. How do we end human trafficking? By not only protecting potential victims but also preventing individuals from becoming perpetrators. This video explores the often-overlooked side of prevention, tackling the cultural, social, and psychological factors that fuel exploitation. Learn how empathy, education, and systemic change can break the cycle of harm. Resources for support or help: National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 • Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010 • Emergency Services: 911 #HumanTraffickingPrevention #EndExploitation #BreakTheCycle #TraumaInformedCare #PreventionMatters #HumanDignity #StopTrafficking #EmpathyEducation #NoMoreTrafficking #ProtectAndPrevent

We are in the process of updating all of our courses, including those centred on child exploitation. We picked up the attached (Executive Summary) review during the research. The statistics are chilling: - 51 children killed in England and Wales between April 2022 and March 2023 - 4 children killed in Scotland during the same time period - 14,420 child in need assessments The impact on our children is horrendous and for children to die as a result of criminal exploitation is not acceptable anywhere. One of the recommendations is to have a statutory definition of the criminal exploitation of children. At Safeguarding Associates for Excellence we have been calling for this for over a decade. The proposal is: The criminal exploitation of children occurs where an individual or group takes advantage of an imbalance of power to coerce, control, manipulate or deceive a child into criminal activity. The victim may have been criminally exploited even if the activity appears consensual.

The Queensland Centre for Domestic & Family Violence Research has put together some valuable learning tools to raise awareness and assistance at identifying and supporting those in DFV situations. The modules are open for anyone to sign up and complete. They would be particularly helpful to solicitors who work with clients in this area of practice. It may not change a perpetrator's behavior but can help identify victims who need support know where they can get help. https://lnkd.in/gpQTzCJM

Hate crime affects all aspects of society and can have a devastating impact on individuals and communities. More information on this training course + to register ▸https://lnkd.in/eeJB7Q8P Frontline officers can make a huge difference by understanding the issue, raising awareness and helping victims to access the support they need. The course looks at what hate crime & hate incidents are, the impact, barriers to reporting, action that can be taken to support those who disclose hate crimes and good practice. Attending this course will provide practical guidance to help overcome barriers by exploring the vulnerabilities of each of the five groups & recent recommendations by the Ombudsman.