Medway Matters

Act over human trafficking

Published 17th January 2014

On Wednesday January 8th, four men and one woman were sentenced for trafficking more than 50 women across the South East. This is a 'wake-up' call for everybody, including all of us here in the Medway Towns.

These 50 European women had been bought and sold in this country to work in the sex trade and as prostitutes.

Catherine Bearder, Liberal Democrat MEP for the South East praised the victims for their bravery in ensuring the five faced justice, and the police for taking the issue seriously. But the case has pulled into sharp focus the horror of human trafficking in our neighbourhoods and communities.

The torment and abuse suffered by these women has been horrifying. The tactics used by traffickers to control their victims are truly disgusting and beyond contempt. These women have been beaten, raped, drugged and had the lives of their families threatened.

This abuse has been going on right under our noses; in our streets, behind closed doors in local homes and hotels, and yes, even within a university.

It is so important for us all to open our eyes and report any suspicions however small you think they might be to the police or confidential Crimestoppers line.

It is also a prime example as to why we should retain the European Arrest Warant, something which we would lose should we leave the EU.

More and more incidents are being uncovered across the country. We all need to learn from this case and be mindful of the fact that more men, women and childen are being trafficked and abused in our communities.

We have to have the courage to 'get involved' by reporting our suspicions.

Rather your suspicions turn out to be unfounded than traffickers and victims not be found.