Nicola Bell, Anja Nielsen, Victoria Groulef and Lorraine Briffitt massage their sore feet after standing for eight hours
A charity that takes a stand against sexual exploitation has done just that after taking part in a Stand Up To Sexual Exploitation challenge.
Held on September 5, Rahab asked supporters to stand for eight hours, with no sitting down allowed.
The event raised awareness of the work Rahab does across the Reading area by identifying and supporting those who are or have been affected by sexual exploitation through prostitution, manipulation or coercion into sexual activity and through human trafficking.
Taking part was Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Reading West, Victoria Groulef.
She said: “I recently shadowed Rahab on one of their night outreach sessions. I know that many residents raise concerns about street prostitution and I wanted to learn more about the work that Rahab do locally.
“Seeing their work inspired me to take part in the challenge.”
This support has made her determined to seek solutions to a problem that has no easy answers.
Victoria said: “In my view, sexual exploitation needs to be tackled in partnership with the voluntary sector, the police and the local community. There is no simple solution.”
Rahab is part of The Mustard Tree and its CEO, Lorraine Briffitt, said: “It is such a poignant way to remind me to think of survivors of sexual exploitation regularly – every time I wanted to sit down, I thought about someone who found no rest in their life because of past and present traumas.
“Every time I found my legs aching from standing, I thought about someone who was bruised from the abuse they’d suffered at the hands of their exploiters.”
Next month, the charity will join with Beyond The Streets in an initiative to raise awareness, funds and hopes and opportunities for survivors of exploitation.
For details visit www.rahab.co.uk or www.no-vember.org.uk.
