Exploitation of Vulnerability
In our experience, we have noted that with limited resources, a targeted impact strategy that focuses on meaningful impact is crucial. This has forced us to think about what it means to be “at risk.” In our assessment, there are criteria which frequently rise to the surface when determining risk. We note that these “vulnerabilities” are more likely to lead to exploitation and abuse. This concept of “exploitation of vulnerability” is central to our attempt to perform targeted impact. We believe that the criminal elements that are doing the actual exploitation have developed a skill in identifying vulnerability.
Cycle of violence: Inequality – Violence – Sex – Exploitation
We have defined our area of concern carefully. Human trafficking and exploitation, child abuse, sexual violence and gender inequality are disturbingly interrelated and grow out of a cycle of violence that preys on the vulnerable. We recognize that there is no clear cut border that separates many of these areas.
In our assessment there is a great truth to the reality that when there is pursuit of power and control, then there will be those who are abused, neglected, exploited and coerced at the expense of the powerful. Oppression leads to people being oppressed. This is the unfortunate reality of the world in which we live. This is expressed through violence. Violence is a tool that varies in method but whose outcome is always damaging.
We are especially concerned about children and women who continue to represent a disproportionate majority of victims.