In its continued bid to raise the awareness of citizens in respect to the crime of human trafficking, the Department of Home Affairs and National Security has partnered with the Franciscan Institute for Personal and Family Development; a ministry of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother of Trinidad and Tobago.

The Franciscan Institute is getting set to host a webinar on the topic: “Online grooming and the sexual exploitation of children” next week.

The webinar takes place on Monday, Aug. 17 from 5:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. Members of the public are being asked to register   and participate. The presenter is Dr. Karen Moore, a well-established Clinical Child psychologist in Trinidad and Tobago.

Permanent Secretary in the Department of Home Affairs and National Security Mrs. Elizabeth   Bailey believes the timing of this initiative is very relevant in the midst of the ongoing pandemic, as predators usually target the vulnerable, especially people who have unsatisfied material and,  or emotional needs.

“The Franciscan Institute has kindly approved for this webinar to be shared with the Saint Lucia public with a view to assisting a sister territory that is also on a quest to   inform and sensitize its populace about this crime and so we appreciate the opportunity to partner with them. As many as five hundred persons (500) will be able to join the webinar. I encourage all who can to register”.

Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.

Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited or trafficked.

Anybody can be a groomer, no matter their age, gender or race. Grooming can take place over a short or long period of time – from weeks to years. Groomers may also build a relationship with the young person's family or friends to make them seem trustworthy or authoritative.

Members of the public should visit https://www.facebook.com/franciscaninstitute/  or https://www.instagram.com/franciscan.institute/  to register.