The Salvation Army in Jersey hosts “Prevent the Traffick" conference

From its earliest days The Salvation Army has played a pivotal role in speaking out for the voiceless and against the exploitation of the young and vulnerable. If we look to our past we will observe the obscenity that is the trade in human kind for sexual, labour and other types of exploitation, financial gain or gratification. This has neither ended nor diminished.

Indeed, the crime of human trafficking, is estimated to be even more prevalent today than in years past. The aim of the “Prevent the Traffick – Jersey 2015” conference was not to scaremonger or create fear – but rather to raise awareness of its presence in the world and to highlight how people can become aware of its signs and symptoms in society. Then by having raised our awareness; to deny those, who perpetrate such atrocities upon their fellow humans, the opportunity to ply their trade in Jersey. The conference looked at how people could spot the signs of trafficking and how they could help ensure they receive the support they need. For example, people can report suspicions of trafficking through Crime Stoppers (0800 555 111) and publicising The Salvation Army’s referral helpline number which is 0300 303 8151.

Lieutenant Stephen Scoulding, corps officer with his wife Melanie, at St Helier Corps, said: "From its earliest days The Salvation Army has played a pivotal role in speaking out for the voiceless and against the exploitation of the young and vulnerable. And today we offer unconditional support without discrimination wherever there is a need. 

“We work with partners and agencies with specialist knowledge and services to ensure that every woman and man who is identified as trafficked will receive the best and most appropriate support available. The aim of this conference was not to scaremonger or create fear – but rather to raise awareness of its presence in the world and to highlight how people can become aware of its signs and symptoms in society. Then by having raised our awareness; to deny those, who perpetrate such atrocities upon their fellow humans, the opportunity to ply their trade in Jersey. This conference looked at how people can spot the signs of trafficking and how they can help ensure they receive the support they need."

Major Anne Read, Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, said: "This was a fantastic opportunity to share specialist knowledge and to work together in Jersey to consider how we can address the threat of the heinous crime that is human trafficking. The conference, organised by The Salvation Army in Jersey, was also an opportunity to learn more about the signs of trafficking, how to spot them, and how we can ensure the perpetrators of this crime come to justice and that victims receive the care they need in Jersey."

The conference was opened by Senator Ian Gorst, Chief Minister of Jersey, and there was input from Senior Officers from the States of Jersey Police together with Major Anne Read Anti Trafficking Response Coordinator for The Salvation Army, United Kingdom & Ireland Territory, Major Estelle Blake head of Anti-Trafficking Unit for The Salvation Army, Italy and Greece Territory, and Mr Chick Yuill, renowned Christian speaker and writer.