Blog written by Gail Toms, Delivery and Engagement Partner at CDN. Specialising in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, Gail is also the curator of CDN’s #EqualityMatters Digest. In December, she led the impactful event ‘Empowering Students: The Fight Against Sextortion and Human Trafficking’. Below, Gail reflects on this important and informative event.
On Wednesday 4 December 2024, CDN hosted a pivotal online event titled ‘Empowering Students: The Fight Against Sextortion and Human Trafficking.’ This event not only aimed to raise awareness but was a call to action. Its goal was to provide actionable insights into combating these critical issues within Scotland’s college and university communities. Events like this are crucial because they highlight the alarming scale and impact of sextortion and human trafficking on learners.
According to recent data, sextortion cases are rising, with more than 70% of victims being minors. Human trafficking remains a global issue, affecting over 1 million children annually. These crimes can have devastating effects on students’ long term mental health, academic performance, and overall well-being. By raising awareness and providing support, such events play a vital role in protecting and empowering students and making our organisations more inclusive, safe, and welcoming.
This impactful session offered expert insights and practical tips to support students and staff with lived experience. The panel shared their professional knowledge on the signs, risks, and preventative measures related to sextortion and human trafficking; two distinct yet inextricably linked crimes. The panel included representatives from IRISS, Police Scotland, TARA, and SOHTIS, four organisations at the forefront of the fight to eradicate these offences.
Each speaker brought a unique perspective, enriching the discussion with their specialist knowledge and experiences. Giving up their time for free, Brenda Walker (IRISS) focused on the social implications and support mechanisms available for adult victims. Audrey Hand (TARA) highlighted the unique challenges faced by trafficked people, along with the support available to them. Gills Houlsby (SOHTIS)shared powerful survivor stories and discussed community support systems.
Ross Jackson (Police Scotland) provided valuable insights into the legal aspects and strategies for raising awareness. He also shared videos and resources to help educate young people about the dangers of online extortion and emphasised the importance of online safety.
A significant portion of the session was dedicated to discussing the resources and support systems available to students. Attendees learned about various organisations and initiatives that offer help to those affected by sextortion and human trafficking. The emphasis was on creating a supportive environment where students feel safe to seek help and report incidents.
Speakers also participated in a vibrant Q&A session that allowed attendees to engage directly with the panel. These discussions provided deeper insights into the topics covered and allowed for a more personalised understanding of the issues. Participants were offered the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts, making the event a collaborative learning experience.
There were several key takeaways:
- Educating students and staff about the signs of sextortion and human trafficking cannot be overstated and is an important first step in raising awareness, which can then lead to prevention. Staying safe online as part of all student inductions can significantly help to safeguard from potential harm.
- Establishing robust support systems within educational institutions is crucial. A trauma-informed approach and having trained personnel and resources to assist victims, is invaluable. Colleges and Universities have an important role to play in destigmatizing sextortion crimes, and empowering survivors, and their families by helping them to understand the law and helping them to navigate the justice system.
- Building a community that is vigilant and supportive can significantly reduce the incidence of these crimes. For colleges and universities, encouraging open dialogue and community participation is essential for the wellbeing and safety of their learners. It can also provide critical intervention when necessary.
- Hearing survivors’ stories, provides invaluable insights and highlights the importance of empathy and support in the recovery process.
This event took a significant step towards providing the tertiary sector with the tools for empowering students and combating sextortion and human trafficking. It aimed to foster a comprehensive understanding of the context and provide practical tools and resources to support survivors. The collaborative and interactive nature of the afternoon ensured that participants left with a deeper awareness and a stronger commitment to making a difference.
As we move forward, it is essential to continue these conversations and build on the momentum generated by such events. Empowering students with knowledge and support is key to creating a safer and more inclusive educational environment.
Further resources can be found by downloading November’s Equality Matters (CDN’s monthly professional learning digest), which signposts some useful resources.
Attendee Feedback:
“The content was really intriguing and heartbreaking. I particularly liked hearing from TARA and Police Scotland—it made me realise how ignorant I had been about human trafficking in Scotland (and the wider UK). It was really saddening to hear how often it happens. It was also interesting to learn more about the groups and workplaces that are more vulnerable to this issue.
“I learned so much at this event. I had no idea the extent of the problem and was stunned by all the facts and statistics.”
“Very informative and interesting. It highlighted and raised awareness that this is not just an issue for specialist services but something that everyone can help address. This would be very useful training for all staff within our college.
“The statistics were extremely useful, and I will definitely share them with my students—such hard-hitting data when presented this way. The links to further resources were also helpful.”
“Good grounding in the subject. All presentations were very relevant to my role.”
If you’re interested in accessing the presentations from our speakers, please feel free to contact me, Gail Toms, at gail.toms@cdn.ac.uk.