Margaret Stafford, national co-ordinator of the Anti-Human Trafficking Board spoke at the Garland Ladies Luncheon Club on February 22 at Ebotse Country and Golf Estate.
Stafford highlighted the dangers of human trafficking in South Africa and how many women and children find themselves trapped in such situations.
Stafford said many of the victims are taken under false pretences.
“This can happen through false advertising, where the victim sees an advert for a job with no particular requirement,” she said.
“When they get to the location, they are then taken by the trafficker.”
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Stafford said victims are moved around on a regular basis to avoid them becoming familiar with their surroundings.
Working with a rapid response task team, Stafford said there have been many human trafficking cases that she has worked on with various other organisations.
These organisations also attend expos and conduct talks at schools to create awareness.
“We talk about the dangers and vulnerabilities of human trafficking,” she said.
Stafford used the example of making tea as the same thing as someone asking for your consent.
“You ask someone if they would like a cup of tea. If they say ‘yes’, you have consent.”
“If they say ‘no’, then you have no consent, the same way you wouldn’t have consent if the person passed out while you were making them the tea.”
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Stafford said there is an increase in child pornography and parents needed to teach children that they have the right to say “no” should they feel uncomfortable in any way.
“There has also been an increase of boys being found on the street, some of them become male prostitutes,” she said.
To report human trafficking call 0800 222 777.
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