Council backs anti-trafficking poster campaign

Following a request from the Cambridge branch of the global organisation Soroptimist International, posters will be placed inside female public toilet cubicles around the city.

The posters form part of Soroptimist International’s ‘Purple Teardrop’ campaign to tackle human trafficking, particularly of women and children – including the sexual exploitation of individuals for commercial gain. The campaign also provides specialist support and care for women and girls rescued from sex trafficking.

Each poster poses the question: “Are you being held against your will and need help?” and provides phone numbers for Crimestoppers, the police and the Salvation Army which victims or potential victims of human trafficking can call.

Cllr Peter Roberts, Executive Councillor for Environment, Waste and Public Health said: “We are very happy to support the important work that Soroptimist International do to raise awareness of human trafficking and provide help to people who need it.”

“By putting up these posters in private spaces in council-run public toilets, we will be providing an opportunity for women or girls affected to access information and help that they may need, without the risk of being observed.”

Cllr Mike Pitt, Opposition Spokesperson for Environment, Waste and Public Health said: “This scheme is a great example of the council working with the voluntary sector to address social problems. If the posters help just one person escape then they will be worthwhile, alongside the benefit of further raising awareness of domestic violence.”

The poster campaign will run for six months from 1 February.


Image: Attendees of Environment Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 13 January hold up copies of the campaign poster. From left: Cllr Mike Pitt, Cllr Dan Ratcliffe, Cllr Martin Smart, Cllr Nigel Gawthrope, Cllr Catherine Smart, Cllr Tim Moore, Janet Crofts (Secretary – Soroptimist International, Cambridge), Cllr Charlotte Perry, Cllr Peter Roberts, Cllr Richard Robertson


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