Trafficked survivors continue to face social stigma, says NGO
Police need to focus more on pre-emptive measures and improve the conviction rate of traffickers
Vijayawada: Despite emerging out of commercial sexual exploitation, 88 percent of human trafficking victims continue facing social stigma, pointed out VIMUKTHI president M. Apoorva.
An anti-human trafficking organisation, VIMUKTHI organised a meeting here on Friday on occasion of International Human Rights Day. Speaking on the occasion, Apoorva said so stigmatised are the victims that they do not realise that they too are humans and enjoy human rights.
She referred to a recent survey carried out by HELP and Sanjog, where 88 percent of survivors felt ostracised. Those ostracising are none other but immediate family members – parents and partners (37 percent), relatives (16 percent) and neighbours (27 percent). 63 percent of the survivors receive no support from family members when experiencing stigma.
VIMUKTHI president said trust of family members and support from peers are the two most desired support structures that can contribute towards rehabilitation of trafficked sex workers.
She demanded that AHTUs (anti-human trafficking units) of police focus on pre-emptive measures and improve the conviction rate of traffickers within source areas. Further, the state must adopt community-based rehabilitation (CBR) programmes leading to financial independence of trafficked victims, so that they do not get into debt traps.
Apoorva said enhancement of victim compensation too can help survivors significantly.