Human Rights

Trista Hendren, Co-Founder of Rapebook, Discusses Facebook’s Issue of Child Sex Abuse Images and Human Trafficking

August 14, 2013 // 13 Comments

I do not believe Facebook has done nearly enough... They must have a zero tolerance policy on images of child sex abuse and human trafficking... Facebook does not have to be a platform for rapists, pedophiles, men who beat up and kill women or other criminals. The way I see things now, Facebook is no better than a hotel owner who rents out a room to a creepy man with a half-naked child and listens to her scream while he counts his money.

Victim-centred: The Merseyside Model – Ruth Jacobs interviewed on Policing Today (Part 2)

August 8, 2013 // 12 Comments

In the second part of an exclusive Policing Today interview, author and human rights campaigner Ruth Jacobs talks about human trafficking and the urgent changes needed to the criminal justice system’s attitude towards victims of sexual crime.

From Prostitution to Art – Artist Sherry Dooley’s powerful and moving life story

August 8, 2013 // 12 Comments

Being gang raped by knife-point wasn’t one of the highlights of being manipulated into the lifestyle... Having the Portland Police look me straight in the eye, as I stood before them, bloodied, beaten, and with my breast exposed, and tell me that no crime had been committed because I was a prostitute was just another blow.

Global Vice President of Security Research at Trend Micro, Rik Ferguson, discusses the issue of child sex abuse images on Facebook

August 5, 2013 // 10 Comments

As well as working with law enforcement, Facebook also works closely with organisations like the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP). They do take this very seriously, but I think they have a technical challenge...

Founder of Once Upon An Eden and survivor of extreme child abuse, Michelle Carmela, gives her opinion on Facebook’s issue of child sex abuse images

August 2, 2013 // 19 Comments

I can understand Facebook wanting to protect freedom of speech. I can understand the company at times feels like their hands are tied. However, when children are seen being violated and exploited, it is essential Facebook remove these images. They must use common sense and seek to promote safety...

In the Booth with Ruth – Rachel Moran, Author and Survivor of Prostitution

July 23, 2013 // 11 Comments

I wanted to tell people the truth about all that I had seen. I wanted to record the degradation and the simple human suffering that’s an inevitable and intrinsic part of sexual exploitation, and I wanted, most importantly, to talk about how we can put a stop to it.

Chong Kim, a Survivor of Sex Trafficking, Talks About Eden, The Newly Released Film Based On Her Life

July 21, 2013 // 9 Comments

Eden is based on the real life story of sex trafficking survivor, Chong Kim, who was abducted at 19 years of age from Dallas, Texas. I met up with Chong in London to talk about the film and her life as a survivor and advocate.

Red Hood Project, bereaved parents Todd & Canning dismiss new Facebook ad policy

July 21, 2013 // 4 Comments

“Rape, child sexual abuse and exploitation images in social media are not “controversial” and they’re not a joke,” says Glen Canning, father of Rehtaeh Parsons. “They devastate victims and destroy families. It is no answer to my daughter’s memory that Facebook thinks it’s good enough to take the ads off these pages. The pages themselves should be removed."

No Words. Just Pictures. #HoodieStillUp4Trayvon

July 17, 2013 // 0 Comments

George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who fatally shot Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teenager, igniting a national debate on racial profiling and civil rights, was found not guilty late Saturday night of second-degree murder. He was also acquitted of manslaughter, a lesser charge... We The People, Didn’t Like That.

Child trafficking survivor & advocate, David Zimmerman, speaks out about child sex abuse images on Facebook

July 13, 2013 // 10 Comments

Facebook could start by including better options for reporting violations of policy and criminal activity. There could be direct links to appropriate agencies for the range of crimes committed online, from child sexual abuse images and trafficking to cyber stalking and bullying. Facebook could employ a moderator system that allows faster detection and timely responses. There could be an active law enforcement presence...

Staying Safe: The Merseyside Model – Ruth Jacobs interviewed on Policing Today (Part 1)

July 10, 2013 // 7 Comments

In the first part of an exclusive interview, Policing Today talks to author and campaigner Ruth Jacobs about the efforts being made by the Service to keep sex workers safe in Merseyside, and why violence against those in prostitution should be viewed as a hate crime.

The Merseyside Model Saves Lives – so why is it not being rolled out nationally? | Impolite Conversation

July 8, 2013 // 13 Comments

Not making the hate crime approach the national standard for people in prostitution is a hate crime in itself while women are being beaten, raped and murdered as the state looks the other way... If a particular policing approach was known to be achieving a 67% conviction rate for those who rape people in society in general, and yet it was only being used in one part of the country, there would be public uproar.

In the Booth with Ruth – Alex Bryce, Manager, National Ugly Mugs

July 6, 2013 // 6 Comments

[I]f every aspect of the Merseyside model was implemented throughout the UK then there would be a sea change. If every area had a specialist ISVA working with sex workers and every police force adopted the hate crime approach then I have no doubt that more sex workers would report crimes and, as a result, more dangerous offenders would be brought to justice. This would be hugely beneficial to the police, to sex workers and, of course, to the wider public.

In the Booth with Ruth – Rosie Campbell OBE, Former Coordinator of Armistead Street & Portside Sex Work Projects

May 29, 2013 // 9 Comments

In Liverpool, over the last ten years, I have worked in a climate and ethos that is progressive in relation to crimes against sex workers, where the police have been committed in increasing confidence amongst sex workers in the police and as part of that introduced the sex work and hate crime policy.