Rescue & Restore campaign/ anti trafficking helpline India

Www.traffickinginindia.blogspot.com

EMPOWER PEOPLE

www.empowerpeopleonline.org
empowerpeoplein@gmail.com

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About Organization EMPOWER PEOPLE is perceived of as pioneer institution in protecting women victims of violence and mitigating post-violence trauma. A grass roots organization, its history is seeped in youth activism. The main focus of the organization is to work for disadvantaged women regardless of caste, class or religion who are victims or who fear being of violence including domestic violence and Trafficking or other type of slavery, and provide them shelter, proper counseling legal support and any other required. The Objective of the Organization kicked off in the form of Movement in early 1999. When shafique visited some villages as a Naxal activist where he saw hunger horror and lack of willingness of officials and civil society. And he found that Party is also not worry to tackle this, then he decide to tackle all the menace. At the initial stage the organization Career Development centre, started imparting education and played key role in spreading education as awareness program among youth. The aim to provide education and food to poor marginalized children resulted fruitful. At the later stage the movement gathered huge potential of students from schools and college who joined CDC as volunteer and helped in getting its goal. The establishment of CDC was an expression of youths awareness and cause. The Coordinating committee was formulated to monitor and scrutinize the path of development in this process of awareness as well as imparting education as its core issue with the larger participation of masses. At the outset organization confronted many challenges in resource development due to lack of experience. Majority was the senior students of different schools working as volunteer. The challenges opened the new avenues. The CDC successfully established an informal centre for primary education with the help of students at shastri school Gaya district. The goal was defined that every volunteer would be bestowed with the responsibility to impart education in chain management .

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The pilot program was initiated at Amas block of Gaya district and toil of members proved fruitful in achieving its motto. Twenty three centre were formally established at Gaya district of Bihar and Chatra (now in Jharkhand) as larger project. But suddenly shafiq was attacked in 2003 by a naxal group due to his popularity and grassroot work, then he decided to move for save his life and further work, All centre has been handed over to the youths at local plane. Later he joined Swami Agniveshs organization Bonded labour liberation front and worked in leadership of swami ji, In year 2005 the organization formally established as EMPOWER PEOPLE.

On and on the organization successfully made its way to Delhi and worked for the safeguard the right of migrant labourer and basic education to their children as their right. In 2006 the organization started its initiation with a PadaYatra of three hundred kilometer against female foeticide and Gender inequality under the premiership of Shafique from Jind to Hisar in Haryana. During this march shafiq meet a trafficked woman and know the situation of these girls then his soul diverted his attention towards the pitiable condition of trafficked women. In order to rehabilitate such women, EMPOWER PEOPLE has taken up various activities which not only include re-marring and repatriation for battered women but also providing post-trauma counseling and arranging legal help. Awareness campaigns against physical or mental abuse of women are running on a continuous basis. To conform the security and safety of the trafficked girl at the destination area EMPOWER PEOPLE list down the women who are Molki (trafficked women) and keep vigil on them and interacts with the local women so they cannot be sell again. For confirmation of their rights as wife we do workshop, field seminar, and interaction program with local society. If trafficked girls found in a pity condition we rescue and rehabilitate them with in community.

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EMPOWER PEOPLE is focused in awaking the people of the source area like West Bengal ,Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand ,and Bihar through distributing pamphlet and campaign, video and audio clips and forming committee at the local level to save the future of vulnerable , their safety and is toiling for raising this issue before the local administration. Our major Achievements during last six years:

Himachal Pradesh government had send a proposal to set up AntiHuman Trafficking Units (AHTU) in some of the states vulnerable districts (Acording to our study in HP), to effectively deal with cases of girls being lured to neighboring Haryana and forced to marry for money. The HP Government have mention this as major problem of the State. A documentary film Drapadies Descendents PSBT on our work and the issue in 2010. A Documentary Bridal Slave by Aljazeera UK Several lectures and experience sharing as well as Police trainings and workshops on the issue organized by Administration More then 400 bride trafficked victims were saved and rehabliteted with in community.

Chief of our Mewat initiative wama-vahini Ms. Gaushia khan (now she is president of EMPOWER PEOPLE) was also a Victim of Bride trafficking after training and support she is head of our programmes. Ms. Usha kumari, Head of our chatra (Jharkhand) initiative was also rescued by EP in 2006 from a village of Haryana.

About Rescue & Restore campaign

A critical element of the Rescue & Restore campaign is the development of national and local groups and individual efforts who will help to implement the campaign on the ground in communities across the country.

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Coalition partners include: Local government Civic groups Ethnic/Immigrant groups Women's organizations Labor organizations Community health providers Faith-based organizations and other non-profits Social service organizations Individuals Coalition partners will disseminate campaign information and resources to intermediaries who may come in contact with victims of trafficking to inform them of the services available to victims in their communities. Rescue & Restore coalition partners also have access to effective communications and outreach strategies for identifying and interacting with victims of human trafficking.

Action Steps for Coalition Partners The primary goal of the Rescue & Restore campaign is to raise public awareness of the issue of human trafficking. Victims of human trafficking are camouflaged -- by sophisticated and often innocent-seeming techniques from people they may encounter on a daily or random basis. In the weeks and months ahead, new and better methods of detecting, reassuring and rescuing these victims will be developed. For now, partners of the Rescue & Restore

campaign coalition can help us achieve this goal by implementing any or all of the following
action steps:

Include information about trafficking, its victims and perpetrators in organization newsletters, on websites and through other communication vehicles Provide orientation and training sessions, or join with other organizations, including nonprofits, in hosting information forums on the trafficking problem and the fresh national resolve to counter it

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Request and disseminate, both internally and in appropriate public places, posters, brochures and other materials now being produced and distributed by the government. Take part in a new national network that has been established by Capital City Partners to keep local organizations and their members abreast of developments in the awareness campaign as well as ways to address the trafficking challenge Encourage other organizations, and health and law enforcement officials with whom you come in contact, to access the growing body of information and resources available to rescue and restore the victims of this hideous trade in human beings.

Identifying and Interacting With Victims of Human Trafficking As a social service organization, you may have encountered victims of trafficking without realizing their circumstances, and therefore, have lost a chance to help them escape a horrific situation. The following provides a brief background on the trafficking problem, as well as tips for identifying and assisting trafficking victims:

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, widespread throughout the United States. While trafficking is largely a hidden social problem, many trafficking victims are in plain sight if you know what to look for. Trafficking is not just forced prostitution. Victims of human trafficking may also be in forced labor situations as domestic servants (nannies or maids); sweatshop workers; janitors; restaurant workers; migrant farm workers; fishery workers; hotel or tourist industry workers; and as beggars. As a social service organization, you can help victims of human trafficking get the safety, protection and resources they need. You may be the only outsider with the opportunity to speak with a victim. There are housing, health, immigration, food, income, employment and legal services available to victims, but first they must be found.

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Victim Identification

A victim of trafficking may look like many of the people you help every day. You can help victims of trafficking get the assistance they need by looking beneath the surface for the following clues:

o Evidence of being controlled o Evidence of an inability to move or leave job o Bruises or other signs of battering o Fear or depression o Non-local language speaking o Recently brought to this area from Eastern or southern part of India o Lack of identification documentation

Traffickers use various techniques to keep victims enslaved. Some traffickers keep their victims under lock and key. However, the more frequent practice is to use less obvious techniques including:

o Debt bondage financial obligations, honor-bound to satisfy debt o Isolation from the public limiting contact with outsiders and making sure that any contact is monitored or superficial in nature o Isolation from family members and members of their ethnic and religious community o Confiscation of passports, visas and/or identification documents o Use or threat of violence toward victims and/or families of victims o The threat of shaming victims by exposing circumstances to family o Telling victims they will be imprisoned or deported for immigration violations if they contact authorities o Control of the victims' money, e.g., holding their money for safekeeping

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The result of such techniques is to instill fear in victims. The victims isolation is further exacerbated because many do not speak local language and are from countries/state where law enforcement is corrupt and feared. Victim Interaction

Asking the right questions may help you determine if someone is a victim of human trafficking. It is important to talk to a potential victim in a safe and confidential environment. If the victim is accompanied by someone who seems controlling, you should try to separate the victim from that person. The accompanying person could very well be the trafficker. You should also enlist the help of a staff member who speaks the potential victim's language and understands his or her culture. Although not ideal, you can enlist interpreter services such as those provided by the ATT Language Line. If the victim is a child, it is important to enlist the help of a social services specialist who is skilled in interviewing minor trafficking or abuse victims. Screen interpreters to ensure they do not know the victim or the traffickers and do not otherwise have conflict of interest.

Screening Tool For Victims Of Human Trafficking

The following are sample questions social service organizations can ask in screening an individual to determine if he/she is a potential victim of human trafficking. As with domestic violence victims, if you think a person is a victim of trafficking, you do not want to begin by asking directly if the person has been beaten or held against his/her will. Instead, you want to start at the edges of his/ her experience. And if possible, you should enlist the help of a staff member who speaks the persons language and understands the persons culture, keeping in mind that any questioning should be done confidentially. You should screen interpreters to ensure they do not know the victim or the traffickers and do not otherwise have a conflict of interest.

Before you ask the person any sensitive questions, try to get the person alone if they came to you accompanied by someone who could be a trafficker posing as a spouse, other family member or employer. However, when requesting time alone, you should do so in a manner that does not raise suspicions.

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Suggested Screening Questions

Can you leave your job or situation if you want? Can you come and go as you please? Have you been threatened if you try to leave? Have you been physically harmed in any way? What are your working or living conditions like? Where do you sleep and eat? Do you sleep in a bed, on a cot or on the floor? Have you ever been deprived of food, water, sleep or medical care? Do you have to ask permission to eat, sleep or go to the bathroom? Are there locks on your doors and windows so you cannot get out? Has anyone threatened your family? Has your identification or documentation been taken from you? Is anyone forcing you to do anything that you do not want to do?

The Mindset of a Human Trafficking Victim

When interacting with and providing assistance to potential trafficking victims, it is important to understand their mindset so you can provide them the best service and help them begin the process of restoring their lives.

Many trafficking victims do not speak local language and do not understand Local culture. Preying upon the poor and destitute from countries in Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America and Africa, traffickers lure their victims into the INDIAwith promises of marriage, a good job so they can provide for their families back home, and a better life. These promises and dreams quickly turn to nightmares as victims find themselves trapped in the sex industry, the service industry, in sweatshops

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or in agricultural fields living daily with inhumane treatment, physical and mental abuse, and threats to themselves or their families back home. Sometimes victims do not even know what city or country they are in because they are moved frequently to escape detection.

Victims of trafficking have a fear or distrust of the government and police because they are afraid of being deported or because they come from countries where law enforcement is corrupt and feared. Sometimes they feel that it is their fault that they are in this situation. As a coping or survival skill, they may even develop loyalties and positive feelings toward their trafficker or try to protect them from authorities. Confidentiality is vital for victims of trafficking. Their lives and the lives of their families are often at great risk if they try to escape their servitude or initiate criminal investigations against their captors. Therefore, it is imperative that you minimize the number of staff members who come in contact with the victim. Ensure that all staff members who have contact with the victim, including interpreters and advocates, understand the importance of confidentiality for the safety of the person. Many victims do not self-identify as victims. They also do not see themselves as people who are homeless or drug addicts who rely on shelters or assistance. Victims may not appear to need social services because they have a place to live, food to eat, medical care and what they think is a paying job.

Messages for Communicating With Victims of Human Trafficking

Most victims of trafficking experience intense fear of their traffickers and of being deported. Therefore, when interacting with potential trafficking victims, it is important to reassure them that they are safe so you can begin the process of helping them get the protection and assistance they need to rebuild their lives safely in the INDIA. Gaining the trust of human trafficking victims is an important first step in providing assistance. Sample messages you can use to help gain this trust include:

We are here to help you. Our first priority is your safety.

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We will give you the medical care that you need. We can find you a safe place to stay. You have a right to live without being abused. You deserve the chance to become self-sufficient and independent. We can help get you what you need. We can help to protect your family. You can trust me. We want to make sure what happened to you doesn't happen to anyone else. You have rights. You are entitled to assistance. We can help you get assistance. If you are a victim of trafficking, you can receive help to rebuild your life safely.

Human trafficking is cloaked in darkness, confusion, fear, misunderstanding and control and many who try to take action, feel overwhelmed by the size of the task.

As persons of faith, however, we can call on an Almighty God who longs for us to join our hearts and prayers on behalf of those who suffer.

Trafficking is a secretive and underground industry. Legislation has ruled it illegal, but it will take so much more than legislation to eradicate it.

> A person can write to their local member of parliament or national government representative. Let your elected officials know your concern, and raise the profile about Trafficking.

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> Learn more about Human Trafficking, raise awareness about this important issue amongst family, friends, co-workers, etc.

FUNDRAISING IDEAS

> Organise a 'slave for a day' event at your school, church, mandir, Masjid, workplace etc. Many people who have been trafficked describe the experience as being enslaved. Help others recognise this fact by joining in this exercise. Be sure to set strict guidelines!

> Pennies for people. Get your group to collect pennies by giving them a small (or large) pot of Pringles. They have to collect small change by cutting a hole in the plastic lid and hand in on a given date. A prize could be awarded for those who collect the most!

> Take responsibility for coffee after church, mandir, Masjid,/club etc and use it as an awarenessraising opportunity. Be sure to use Fairtrade products.

> Talent auction - Use your talents for the highest bidder.

> Travel for traffic - Take a picture of yourself at every tube station, train station, landmark in your town wearing your wristband and get sponsored for every place visited in 24 hours.

> Ring the change - how many people can you fit into a telephone booth? Invite the local press and let them know the reason why you're doing it! Make sure you contact your local regional Salvation Army public relations officer for help.

> Rock and knitathon - You need a rocking chair and some knitting equipment. The rest is up to you!

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> Odd job Saturday - Do something good for your community one Saturday and take donations for your efforts.

> Break the silence - Do a sponsored silence to raise money for trafficking programmes.

> Wash the traffic - Hold a car wash and ask for donations for your service.

> Make a short movie and hold an evening where you charge people to watch it.

> Traffic movement - Get a picture of yourself on as many modes of transport as you can wearing your wristbands and get sponsorship for each picture.

> Hold a cultural evening and charge an entrance fee.

> Avoid the traffic for a week and use bus or bike etc. Give the money saved to anti-trafficking programmes.

> Fit for lives - Why not organise a fun run, aerobic sessions, jump ropeathon, swimathon, rocking chairathon, stair climb or any other thingathon to show that all humans deserve freedom and life in all its fullness. You could even get sponsorship.

> Mystery tour - Trafficking means people often are moved to strange and scary locations without knowledge of where they are going. Arrange a tour for your friends that will surprise them and give you opportunity to tell them the story of people who have been trafficked.

> Cake bake - Get a group of people to make cakes - especially human-shaped items like gingerbread men or face biscuits - for free and then sell them at a coffee morning or fete and give the money to help stop trafficking.

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Rescue & Restore campaign/ anti trafficking helpline India