It's Time to Abolish Slavery in the UK, says CHASTE

CHASTE (Churches Alert to Sex Trafficking across Europe) calls on churches across the UK to take part in 'Not for Sale Sunday' this May.

The interdenominational forum CHASTE (Churches Alert to Sex Trafficking across Europe) is calling on churches to play their part in the fight to end sexual exploitation in the UK and across the world by joining in 'Not for Sale Sunday' on 20 May with the message that men, women and children are 'Not for Sale'.

"Human trafficking continues across Europe and the globe, and a new enslavement in trafficked women and girls for sexual exploitation in massage parlours, brothels and 'secured' houses is present in the cities and market towns of the UK today," said CHASTE.

With an estimated 4,000 women trafficked into the UK every year, and an estimated 800,000 people trafficked worldwide each year, CHASTE said the journey to abolish slavery was "still unfinished business".

"Today, there is a new goal - no one for sale in the United Kingdom, whatever their gender, age or ethnicity," it said.

CHASTE is planning to equip churches with new resources on trafficking through its 'Not for Sale Sunday' event.

The charity has also welcomed the new United Kingdom Human Trafficking Centre, a co-ordinated response to trafficking in the UK, as a major step forward to ridding the UK of the trade.

Churches have called sex trafficking modern day slavery and up and down the UK churches are holding special services and events to mark the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade this year.

"There can be no clearer challenge for the churches today than to engage with the scandal of sexual exploitation taking place in our midst, the uncontested abuse of women's bodies in pay-as-you-go sex and to start a new journey to abolish all trafficking especially that of sexual exploitation in this bicentenary year."

The charity has helped many trafficking victims out of their slavery, including one young Indian girl who thought she had accepted a modelling job in the UK a few years ago. On arrival, she had her passport taken from her and was forced to work in a dancing club against her will.

The girl was threatened and also told that her family in India would be killed if she did not comply. She was sold on from the club to another club and was forced to have sex with clients, before she was eventually sold for a second hand car.

She managed to escape and through a church minister was able to contact CHASTE, who put her in touch with agencies who could investigate her information. Measures were eventually taken against the perpetrators and CHASTE was able to place her in a safe house were she could be looked after and begin the long road to healing.

"Women and children and men are made in the image of God, and we are called to enable that image to grow, develop, and be reflected in all our lives, for everybody, no matter their age, race, creed or gender," said CHASTE.

"We need to address issues of prevention, tackle demand, encourage local initiatives to help with routes out and safety for victims of exploitation, ensure justice is resourced and survivors protected.

"Not for Sale Sunday is a unique opportunity to reflect, respond and engage with the multiple issues of sexual exploitation today."

For more information and free downloadable resources, go to www.notforsalesunday.org.