KEEP WALKING FOR FREEDOM

As part of International Anti-Slavery Day, thousands of people around the world joined forces and WALKED FOR FREEDOM on 18 October 2014.

The team and I

I joined these amazing advocates for change in Sea Point, Cape Town. As we took on the 5km walk down the Promenade, I prayed for women and girls who are captured for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude; boys and men who are forced into unpaid labour; the disbandment of organised groups that facilitate trafficking as well as for healing of rescued victims across the globe. My wish is that every citizen of the world may make this problem their own and that this movement may continue to grow and influence change that is bigger than we can imagine.

How to identify a victim of human trafficking?

Victims of trafficking usually work in sex related businesses such as brothels and strip clubs. Servitude victims are disguised as farm workers, domestic workers and even contractors. This just goes to show that slavery is happening right before our eyes. Here are some of the ways you can identify victims:

• They are not allowed to be alone; they always have a companion. Keep an eye on this particularly when travelling.
• They usually live at their work site.
• Their identity and travel documents are kept by their employers.
• They may have poor physical appearance e.g. malnutrition, appear to be under the influence of drugs or have bruises.
• They appear to be nervous, avoid eye contact and are afraid to speak freely.

How can you help?

When suspicious of a trafficking case, you can contact the following:

·         The South African Police – 10111

·         Childline/Lifeline – 08000 55555

·         Molo Songololo – 021 448 5421

·         Safeline – 08000 35553

·         Child Welfare – 021 638 3127

·         The Trauma Centre – 021 465 7373

·         The Salvation Army – 021 761 8530/1/2/3/4/5