Hope springs eternal as local NPO tackles human trafficking, sexual exploitation
Every 30 seconds someone becomes a victim of human trafficking.
Human trafficking, sexual exploitation and gender-based violence is a reality that is creeping up in our community and is not something that can go unnoticed.
This is according to self-proclaimed professional child protection activist Elmarie Pretorius from Parkrand.
Pretorius is also the founder of Touch of Hope Search and Rescue.
She works with a variety of organisations, including the National Prosecuting Authority’s Gauteng anti-trafficking task team.
She said Touch of Hope’s initiative is to create a level playing field for community members so they can also gain the “trust” relationship once broken with various government organisations. This in order to meet the community’s needs so they feel safe again to work with them.
“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation are as serious here in Boksburg as in other regions. The problem in Boksburg is all the poverty and drug abuse,” said Pretorius.
“We are busy with a human traffic case of a baby that was trafficked from Maputo, as well as a kidnapping case currently on the East Rand which is also still under investigation.”
According to Pretorius, both victims are minors.
“We have received several calls of cases dealing with sexual exploitation but again the community is too scared to talk. We are also busy with parental abduction cases and several child abuse and neglect cases.”
Pretorius said it happens often that teenagers who have gone missing and young women end up being exposed to drugs and sexual exploitation to make a living to feed their children.
“Community members prefer to stay silent about violence and crimes, because they are scared.
“The hotels and abandoned buildings in and around Boksburg are hot spots for all kinds of illicit activities. If you open the door at the one hotel you will see young girls of all races. Men are also targets of such crime.
“As a team we have a 98 per cent success rate in finding missing persons, helping trafficking victims and placing abuse or neglected children in places of safety and fostering.”
She said every six hours a person goes missing in SA.
“The first 48 hours are crucial. One has to remember there is not a waiting period by law to open a missing case.
“It needs to be reiterated that parents need to be extremely aware and careful when it comes to their children,” said Pretorius who conducts awareness talks at schools and churches.
“Parents need to educate their children on stranger danger. Know the dangers of social platforms, which are often used by predators.
“At the end of the day, report if you hear or suspect a child is being abused, neglected or mistreated. Rather be safe than sorry,” said Pretorius.
The following factors put children at risk of abduction or human trafficking:
- Lack of personal safety
- Homelessness
- Malnourishment
- Commuting without guardians
- Social isolation
- Active prostitution
- Financial desperation (personal debt, poverty)
- Dysfunctional family or conflict
- Emotional distress or mental illness
What can be done to prevent human trafficking, sexual exploitation and gender-based violence?
- Teach your children your phone number.
- Teach your children to not accept gifts (sweets, flowers, toys) from a stranger, not even there best friend.
- Teach your children to not go home with anyone from school.
- Do not walk in dark allies.
- Do not open the door to strangers.
- Know your children’s friends (parents/numbers/address)
- Do not keep secrets.
Contact Touch of Hope with information by sending “HELP” to 33903 or by sending an email to info@touchofhope.co.za
ALSO READ:
Child prostitution a major problem on the East Rand
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