Debbie Messenger, an Australian Officer, is serving God in the Philippines. Debbie recently attended a conference on Child Sex Trade. Here is her comments from the conference.
Child Sex Trade
I had the amazing opportunity to be one of a few representatives from The Salvation Army at a recent Child Protection Conference run by the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) in Manila. There were over 800 people from 37 countries who work in a diverse range of organisations and denominations to assist young people at risk. I shared this experience with Salvationists from: Australia (Southern and Eastern Territories), Indonesia, Malaysia and of course the Philippines.
One thing that stood out to me was a call from young people who had been sold into the sex industry, they requested everyone to give them dignity and respect during the times when you feel you are helping them, when often you are causing them more pain and shame. A group of 12 girls who were no older than 17 years, stood and gave a drama on what happens during a 'raid' when police and people who 'meant-well' took them from the place they knew as home. They spoke of their fear for what was happening as strangers entered their place with sudden and unexpected force, although they were there to be 'saved', the way it was done caused them more embarrassment and absolute fear in not knowing what was happening and where they would go next. Cameras would often be pointed at them and there would be others taking photos as 'proof' of their living situation, but this caused them incredible shame.
I have heard many people, who want to help those who suffer injustice, say how much they would like to help these young people who have been sold into the sex trade, I agree there is a great need and something needs to be done as so many children suffer injustice and they deserve a better life and future. Yet I want to remind you (on behalf of the young people I had the privilege to meet), there is a way to help them in a more positive way! The young girls at the conference called for police and organisations to free them with dignity, they said "don't take pictures, just help us", they don't want to be turned into a documentary or to be a 'still shot' for prosperity or feel good moments when you can recall the day you 'saved' someone. Consider them and their feelings, help them, but consider carefully how you will do it and follow the law so that their violators can be brought to justice in the future. If you don't follow correct procedure, maybe evidence cannot be used against those who have hurt them so much. Be safe on the journey!
I had the amazing opportunity to be one of a few representatives from The Salvation Army at a recent Child Protection Conference run by the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) in Manila. There were over 800 people from 37 countries who work in a diverse range of organisations and denominations to assist young people at risk. I shared this experience with Salvationists from: Australia (Southern and Eastern Territories), Indonesia, Malaysia and of course the Philippines.
One thing that stood out to me was a call from young people who had been sold into the sex industry, they requested everyone to give them dignity and respect during the times when you feel you are helping them, when often you are causing them more pain and shame. A group of 12 girls who were no older than 17 years, stood and gave a drama on what happens during a 'raid' when police and people who 'meant-well' took them from the place they knew as home. They spoke of their fear for what was happening as strangers entered their place with sudden and unexpected force, although they were there to be 'saved', the way it was done caused them more embarrassment and absolute fear in not knowing what was happening and where they would go next. Cameras would often be pointed at them and there would be others taking photos as 'proof' of their living situation, but this caused them incredible shame.
I have heard many people, who want to help those who suffer injustice, say how much they would like to help these young people who have been sold into the sex trade, I agree there is a great need and something needs to be done as so many children suffer injustice and they deserve a better life and future. Yet I want to remind you (on behalf of the young people I had the privilege to meet), there is a way to help them in a more positive way! The young girls at the conference called for police and organisations to free them with dignity, they said "don't take pictures, just help us", they don't want to be turned into a documentary or to be a 'still shot' for prosperity or feel good moments when you can recall the day you 'saved' someone. Consider them and their feelings, help them, but consider carefully how you will do it and follow the law so that their violators can be brought to justice in the future. If you don't follow correct procedure, maybe evidence cannot be used against those who have hurt them so much. Be safe on the journey!
May God bless Debbie, and her Children.
No comments:
Post a Comment