Pledge from Borough of Poole

The Borough of Poole has pledged its support for the Purple Teardrop Campaign, and accepted in July a proposal to raise awareness of the initiative by fixing posters to the backs of ladies’ toilet doors across the borough.

We are focusing on public toilets because this is one of very few places where trafficked women can be alone. However, we recognise the need to spread the message as widely as possible and, as such, are looking at children’s centres, community centres, libraries and other council-owned buildings as potential locations for publicity. We will also encourage private companies in Poole to get involved and spread the message of this campaign.

We have agreed to incorporate human trafficking into our wider strategy to tackle violence against women and girls and we will actively look for opportunities to raise awareness of the issue wherever possible.

It is incredibly difficult to reach the victims of human trafficking, many of whom are kept away from the rest of society and have only a basic understanding of English. This is why the work of the Purple Teardrop Campaign is so important. The campaign has made huge inroads into the public’s awareness of this problem, and continues to fight on behalf of those women trapped in modern day slavery. I have attended several awareness-raising events and have seen first hand the important work being carried out day in, day out to tackle this hideous crime.

I want to use this opportunity to thank Soroptimist International for the work they put in to raise awareness of trafficking, and to assure the campaign’s supporters that I and my fellow councillors are fully behind this campaign.

Councillor Judy Butt, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Public Engagement and Participation, Borough of Poole.