Purple Teardrop

ABOUT THE PURPLE TEARDROP CAMPAIGN.
The Purple Teardrop Campaign was launched by Poole Soroptimists in September 2008 as part of Soroptimist International’s work to fulfil the objective to ‘end human trafficking and all forms of violence against women and girls’.

The Purple Teardrop Campaign aims to make the public aware of the endemic nature of human trafficking, more popularly known as anti-slavery. Our actions range from seminars and presentations to articles in frontline professionals’ magazines and press interviews.

The objectives for 2012 are:- 

(i) Work in partnership with local, national and international bodies to relieve the suffering of victims of human trafficking;  

                                                                                                                                                  (ii) Raise awareness about people trafficking and violation of human rights locally, nationally and internationally;                                                                                                                                                                                                      (iii) Seek commitment from the voluntary and professional sectors, as well as the wider community, to reduce people trafficking;          

                                                                                                                                                      (iv) Fundraise to support the objectives above.

We work with decision-makers and are represented on the UKHTC (UK Human Trafficking Centre) Prevention Group and members of the Human Trafficking Foundation which works with the All Party Parliamentarians Group against human trafficking. We have a portfolio of work e.g. the need for more stringent vetting of tourist materials and in partnership with SI Poole we have a petition to 'Ban Sex for Sale' advertisements in newspapers. Please do sign the petition.

Raising the public’s awareness of human trafficking e.g. increased activity at a house in their street, or permanently closed curtains, can result in the public notifying the police or Crimestoppers of suspected human trafficking activity. This could lead to giving trafficked victims a chance to be rescued. We encourage the use of the Crimestoppers hotline number 0800 555 111 to report confidential information on locations where traffickers suspected of operating.
Once rescued, victims are in need of safe housing and a long programme of treatment to begin the healing process, both physical and psychological. Safe housing in the UK is managed by the Salvation Army and subcontracted out to service providers of which there is one in Dorset and which the charity support directly as well as others in the UK.

HOW YOU CAN HELP.
Please help raise awareness by –
• Purchasing and wearing the purple teardrop pin badge
• Display our posters in prominent locations in your workplace and community
• Hold a fund-raising event
• Hold an awareness raising event
• Sign up to receive our newsletter at enquiries@purpleteardrop.org.uk or write to us at P O Box 7234, Broadstone, Dorset, BH18 0BB.
• Join our email list of people prepared to lobby on human trafficking issues

Purple Teardrop is a Registered Charity No 1141695 Registered Company No 07496934