Is Human trafficking happening in Gillingham South?

Open Your Eyes

If we are going to stop human trafficking we all need to keep our eyes open. Some signs to look out for include:

Foreign nationals or teenagers who rarely come out of a house without guidance or older men.
Frequent visitors to homes, often a stream of men arriving and leaving at unusual times.
Evidence of being controlled: the person is accompanied by a controlling person and does
not speak on their own behalf.
Bruises, scars and other signs of physical abuse and torture, though many trafficked victims
are often beaten in areas that won't damage their appearance, like their lower back.
Children out of school or begging in the street.
Sex workers who offer 'special services' at a low price and who are advertised as having a
particular ethnicity, who appear underage or speak little or no English.

Gillingham South Ward

Medway Liberal Democrat anti-trafficking campaigners Cllr. Geoff Juby, with Tony Jeacock and Chris Sams believe that if human trafficking is happening in our community, it must be tackled by our community.

"I have seen examples of human trafficking across all areas of the South East over the last five years. From big cities to sleepy villages, it is happening everywhere and we all need to be alert to the signs." Catherine Bearder MEP (S.E. England)

If you see something suspicious, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
We all have a responsibility to recognise the signs and report any suspicions. If you are interested in fighting human trafficking in our community, why not add your voice to a global declaration at www.stopthetraffik.org.
Together we can raise awareness, support victims and engage with communities and professionals to create a hostile environment for trafficking.

For further local information: 01634 540640

Or contact Medway Liberal Democrats at info@medwaylibdems.org.uk