All of this almost certainly happens just up the road from where you live. Shocking – but true! Slavery, though abolished, is likely to be alive and well in Croydon. We know because we have done the unpleasant research.
Behind the small ads for massage parlours in your weekly free newspaper is a thriving illegal sex trade offering women of very diverse nationalities – the third largest sex trade in Greater London. In one way, this shouldn’t be surprising - after all, we live near Gatwick Airport and host immigration services at Lunar House in central Croydon.
We, at the Salvation Army, are building up a coalition of concerned citizens to address this sex trade and human trafficking problem in Croydon. We’re aiming high: for the closure of off-street sex establishments in Croydon (there are many) with, eventually, the same happening in neighbouring boroughs and throughout the UK too.
The Salvation Army nationally is also committed to victim support. We are pleased to report concerned interest from the police, Croydon Council and local politicians. Together, we know that this great evil can be defeated.
What are we asking of you, at St Columba’s? For now, just lots of prayer!
It’s likely that we shall need to come to you at some stage in the future for support in campaigning, also perhaps for help in financing this initiative. But in the meantime: please pray that we shall be successful in our efforts.
If you would like to know more about the issue or would like to become more closely involved contact me on 020 8657 0078 or by email at office@forestdale.org.uk.
Thank you for your prayers – and may God bless you.
Captain Matt Clifton
The Salvation Army, Forestdale