I have just finished reading "Slave hunter: One Man's global quest to free victims of Human Trafficking" by Aaron Cohen and Christine Buckley. As I was reading it, I thought of my daughter Faye, who was the first person to introduce me to this theme, back in 2002.
It was also then, thanks to APAV (Portuguese Association for Vicitim support), which Faye was working for, that I further got into the murky depths of this issue by translating the book "Perspectives on trafficking human beings - phenomenon, legislation and assistance" and later participating in the Dikê project meeting held in Lisbon on "Protection and promotion of victims Rights in Europe" as a translator.
Aaron's book takes on a different approach from the one we are commonly used to (statistical data and description of some of the causes and effects of this phenomenon) and in giving names and faces to some of the victims, based on his own incursions into the whole process of their rescuing , creates a closer bond between the reader and the victims (those who have been victimized and the ones to be) of this spreading "disease".
I have been wondering how aware of this phenomenon potential victims are in Cape Verde ...
Many factors concurr towards making these islands a safe haven for predators in search of "prey". It is obvious the increasing tourism co-habits with poverty and although there is some clear consciousness as to some of the disadvantages thereto associated, such as prostitution, sexually transmitted diseases, drug use, etc., not to openly talk about this "new" issue is wrong.
Many of these "inexperienced" youngsters don't realise they can be lured into circumstantial traps regarding working, marrying, or fulfillment of their dreams abroad ... (some of them already have).
Raising awareness is acting by anticipation ...
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