Brief summary of presentation of information made

The panel consisted of four speakers from UNICEF, Cherokee community, Russia, and ECPATUSA.

“Violence against children is a global issue and persists at alarming rates.”

Need to accelerate action for children who experience sexual abuse or who may fall victim of sexual abuse- especially with online exploitation. This can be done by

1. Accelerating multisectoral action to address risks in the digital environment
2. Increasing investment in prevention
3. As citizens of today and agents of change, children and young people will be a key part of the movement to end violence against children Violence against native children and women continues to be a serious issue.

“Women are the backbones of our communities- if we are not healthy then the children will not be raised healthy. Children are important and gifts from the creator.”

In the USA, the primary perpetrators of violence against women and children are non-native men. Embedded system of slavery is a precursor of what today call sex trafficking. History of sexual violence and exploitation against women and girls and history of a constant cycle of children being removed in our communities through boarding schools and CPS.

Serving children survivors of sexual abuse and violence in Russia.

• Main issue- children who turn to online are seeking attention because they are not receiving the attention at home or from older people (family/parents/caretakers).
• Adults who befriend the children online exploit pictures and spread them online.

It is important to work and partner together. Need a student-centered environment. Education and communities are crucial for children. Discuss that family trafficking is a big issue because it is very common- needs to be told and educate others on this very common issue. 

What was of particular significance to share with The Salvation Army globally?

Violence against women and children is still an issue today- whether it be physically or online. This topic is still considered “taboo” to some people, but it is an issue that needs to be told because it’s growing. Trafficking happens in communities and in countries that people may not think is happening there. It can happen within a family, family trafficking, and some are not aware that is possible or common.

The Salvation Army can help educate on human trafficking

• trafficking can be labor, sexual, online.
• children are targeted online and parents should be aware of the dangers of that as to encourage them to be aware and keep an eye on their children when using technology. - violence against children and women is still a big issue
• “Human trafficking is becoming the highest grossing ‘business’ on our planet”

Web links for more information

https://vawnet.org/material/national-workgroup-safe-housing-american-indian-and-alaskanative-survivors-gender-based

https://vawnet.org/material/colonization-homelessness-and-prostitution-and-sextrafficking-native-women

Recorded event: https://www.ecpatusa.org/

Tags: SDG5: Gender Equality