Wayne van Onselen, Founder and Executive Director of Unchain Our Children, together with W/O Smit (FCS Pretoria Moot, W/O Boshoff (SECI) and W/O Malatsi (SAPS Sunnyside) were invited to speak to the children at Bramley Children’s Home to create awareness on bullying, Human Trafficking and the dangers lurking in cyber space while on social media.
Access to pornography and other unsavoury chat rooms, is a click away for everyone with a mobile phone. Often, characters posing on social media profiles hides behind “innocence” and pose as legitimate engagers. However, many perpetrators, sex traffickers and sex offenders are interacting from a false and fraudulent profile deceiving children into thinking there might be real interest in them.
The team encouraged the children to be alert and report incidents they are aware of. They also warned against the destructive behaviour of bullying and pointed out several signs to look out for when children are targeted for human trafficking.
The children had the opportunity to ask questions and learn from the professional team. While they gained more knowledge they also experienced a safe place in the conversations where they could share their fears with the team and speak out about their experiences.
Information sessions like this open the dialogue between children and law enforcement – a much needed discussion that is in huge demand among places of safety and victims of violence.
Unchain Our Children treasures the collaboration with SAPS and thank them for their time and engagement.