Published on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
SI Poole Launches Purple Teardrop Campaign
Soroptimist International of Poole launched its Purple Teardrop Campaign against Human Trafficking on 22 September. Human trafficking has overtaken even drugs trafficking in terms of scale. It is a global issue and the consequences for its victims are dire. More than 900,000 people are trafficked globally every year. The UN estimates that the total market value of the exploitation of people to be around $32 billion.
The launch at Upton House, Poole attracted over 70 leading figures from Poole and Dorset and Soroptimists from across the South of England. The evening’s speakers brought three important perspectives to the issue. Carol Freeman of CHASTE told the audience about the sheer scale of the problem and emphasised how changes in attitude and law can deter traffickers. Sister Ann-Teresa, Founder of the Medaille Trust who shared with the audience how the Trust was formed and organised. Her insights into the lives of the women supported at the Trust’s safe houses highlighted how trafficking affects people from many nations and its devastation to their lives. One victim was just 16 years old and, having been snatched by traffickers as an infant, had known no other life. The third speaker, DI Guy Shimmons from Dorset Police brought a local perspective to the evening and made the audience aware of the trafficking crimes that are committed in Dorset. DI Shimmons’ examples highlighted the scale and complexity of trafficking organisations and the tenacity of some of the perpetrators.
In conclusion, the Club’s Immediate Past President, Pauline Monk, invited all guests to pledge their support to the Purple Teardrop Campaign, which was met with generous enthusiasm.
More information here on how you can support SI Poole’s Purple Teardrop campaign