Exploitation
- Learning for Life and Work
- May 28, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: May 9
Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is the trade of people mostly for the purpose of sexual slavery, forced labour or prostitution.
It can be incredibly difficult to detect human trafficking and if a victim does come forward, their needs are often complex and require the involvement of many services, including:
A&E for emergency medical treatment
emergency shelter
social services
employment advice
legal representation through legal aid
counselling
If you suspect that someone is a victim of trafficking, you must contact the police on 101 or 999 for an emergency situation.
What is FGM?
FGM stands for Female Genital Mutilation
It is a procedure that involves deliberately cutting, for no medical reason, a female's genitals. It is usually carried out on young girls between infancy and 15 years old. In Northern Ireland, it is illegal and is considered child abuse.
There are many reasons why FGM is performed. These include:
Cultural reasons
Some people believe FGM is part of their culture and as part of a girl's initiation into womanhood.
Social reasons
Some people believe that FGM will benefit the girl in some way and be good for her. In some communities, the external female genitalia are considered dirty and ugly and are removed to promote hygiene and enhance aesthetic appeal.
Religious reasons
Some communities believe that by completing FGM, this will ensure the girl's virginity before marriage.
Are there complications with FGM?
Complications can occur and include:
severe pain
haemorrhage
urine retention
fever
septicaemia
death as a result of complications
urinary incontinence
emotional effects, including post-traumatic stress
What can a young girl do if they feel they are at risk of FGM?
Tell someone what has been happening - this could be a parent/guardian, a friend, a teacher in school.
Consider talking to someone at an organisation that can give advice and help with the bullying experience such as:
- NSPCC
Sexual Exploitation
Sexual assault is when a person experiences any sexual act, including groping, forced kissing, rape, that they did not consent to (allow/give permission).
What can a person do if they have experienced a sexual assault?
Tell someone what has been happening - this could be another trusted adult, a parent/guardian, a friend, a teacher in school.
Ring the police on 101
Consider talking to someone at an organisation that can give advice and help with the bullying experience such as:
- NSPCC on 0808 800 5000
- ChildLine on 0800 1111
- A GP/Nurse/A&E Department
- Nexus NI
Prostitution
Prostitution is the business or practice of engaging in sexual relations in exchange for money.
It is a form of sexual exploitation and is illegal in Northern Ireland under the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015.
Women who become engaged in prostitution find that they are trapped as they become reliant on the money or are forced to continue because there is another person in control of the prostitution and the woman has no choice.
Where can women, involved in prostitution, get support?
Seek medical help from a GP or GUM clinics or Sexual Health NI
Speak to someone at Citizen's Advice to get advice on debt and other financial issues
Get in touch with The Inspire Women's Project which supports women with criminal convictions to get their live back on track
Women's Aid provides support and accommodation for women
Contact Nexus to speak to someone in a confidence
Contact Lifeline to speak to someone in confidence
Contact the Samaritans to speak to someone in confidence
QUESTIONS YOU COULD BE ASKED ON THIS
Explain one personal strategy for dealing with sexual exploitation. (2marks)
One strategy is to stay safe online by being cautious. People may not be who they say they are, so it's important not to share personal or explicit images and to avoid meeting online contacts alone.
Explain two personal strategies to support a person who may have experienced sexual exploitation. (4marks)
One strategy is to seek help from a voluntary organisation such as Women’s Aid. They can provide safe safe accommodation and confidential support. This helps the person escape from the control of those exploiting them.(2marks)
Another strategy is to access counselling services such as Lifeline or Nexus. These services offer professional help to deal with trauma and emotional distress caused by sexual exploitation. (2marks)
Evaluate the personal strategies available to young people in dealing with sexual exploitation. (10 marks)
Young people can avoid risky situations like drinking or taking drugs with strangers, which helps them stay in control and reduce danger. Speaking to a trusted adult or support service like Childline can offer protection and break the cycle of abuse. These strategies empower young people and give them access to professional help.
However, fear or threats from abusers may prevent victims from speaking out, even if they know support is available. Also, it can be hard to recognise unsafe situations if the young person is emotionally manipulated.
In conclusion, personal strategies can be effective, but they often depend on the young person’s confidence and support system. Education in schools, reassurance from trusted adults, and access to confidential help lines can make it easier for young people to speak out and protect themselves.
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