How does a generation deal with the most heinous crime of the 21st century? Especially, given it is an issue that transcends political or racial profile and is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. The most recent stats to come from the Home Office on sex trafficking are both harrowing and inspiring; they suggest there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK, with 45 million estimated victims across the world.
Additionally, only a mere 2,340 are officially reported, and in 2015, only 289 modern slavery offences were brought to justice. It is also estimated that only 1% of of enslaved people in the UK have the chance of seeing their exploiter brought to justice. And most worryingly of all, up to 34% of victims of slavery are estimated to be re-trafficked.
Britain however, is paving the way by placing the issue of modern day slavery high on the national agenda. We have also implemented the toughest anti-slavery law in the world and Prime Minister May has stated that Britain will lead the fight against modern slavery, and has vowed to make it her mission to rid the world of this "barbaric evil".
But this is not just an issue in the UK, and it is not just an issue for Governments. Sex trafficking is a cross border multinational problem, that requires much more to be done, by many more people, if we are to eradicate the crime in our lifetime. Whilst it is amazing to have this issue recognised and at the front of a governmental agenda, and this will help a great deal, we cannot leave the task to Governments and Non-Government organisations alone. It requires a ground swell movement where people no longer tolerate the issue that is destroying lives, and do something about it.
As a Producer of an anti sex trafficking film, She Has a Name, I did just that. My goal, from interior designer to film producer, was to open a window into the dark reality that exists in the abhorrent trade, and to expose the truth of this crime and how it effects those trafficked and enslaved against their will. Through film, I decided to give one girl a name and a voice, representing all of those whose voices are not being heard and whose names have been forgotten.
If everyone thinks the problem exists elsewhere, no one will act. She Has a Name film is being released to coincide with the UN Abolition of Slavery Day on 2 December 2016 and is part of a global call to action, it is our very own 'creative protest' against sex trafficking. We, in turn, are calling ordinary people around the world to get involved in this issue and make it their problem too. Stage your very own creative protest in whatever form works for you, tell people about this issue, offer your time or your money wherever you can. Join our movement so we can work together to see slavery abolished. Let's fund freedom together.
Simply by renting or buying She Has a Name film, you and your friends will be helping to fund the fight against human trafficking as at launch, 20% of the proceeds will go towards the globally respected agencies we have partnered with. Watch the film, Fund Freedom here: www.shehasanamefilm.org