9 March 2006
TRAFFICKING ISSUE RAISES CHALLENGES FOR STUDENTS
About 70 students and teachers from all Edmund Rice Schools in Victoria gathered at St Kevins College last week for a justice seminar. Included in the activities of the day was a presentation from a representative of Project Respect who provided information and insights relating to the issue of the trafficking of women into Australia for the purposes of prostitution.
Whilst things such as poverty, immigration, organized crime, etc relating to the ‘supply’ side of the ‘sex industry’ were addressed, students were also challenged to consider what attitudes in Australian society contributed to the demand for such services.
Some points raised by students in the discussion that followed included
- do I respect all women the way I would respect my mother and sisters eg in conversation?
- the use of prostitutes is more about domination and control than genuine relationship. How do I build healthy relationships in my life?
- how would I respond when my ‘mates’ suggest organizing a ‘bucks night’?
- what is my attitude towards pornography and the illusory view of relationships it presents?
Students resolved to build greater awareness around this issue in their school communities and to urge the government to adopt a more sympathetic and supportive stance for women trafficked into this country.
