WATCH Nederland
Until 2021 Terre des Hommes implemented the WATCH Netherlands program. Sexual exploitation of children in the Netherlands was an increasing problem. Even though the police and judiciary are highly motivated to tackle this problem, they often lack the tools, jurisdiction and/or manpower to check up on all leads or to take pre-emptive measures. Therefore Terre des Hommes initiated – based on the successful handling of child sex tourism in Asia – ‘Watch Nederland’, a special operational observation unit that not only pursued leads but also proactively did research on child sexual exploitation in both the physical and virtual world. By the end of 2021 our WATCH Netherlands program has ended.
Background
Any minor can become a victim of sexual exploitation by a loverboy. This is a serious form of trafficking in human beings, with serious consequences. It often starts 'innocently' with online seduction. The victim is not immediately aware of what is happening. Loverboys use seduction, blackmail and threats. In a very short period of time they get a full grip on a victim.
WATCH Nederland was committed to stopping this. Anyone can safely report suspicions of sexual exploitation. Every report is seriously investigated. By a professional team, without anyone noticing. In this way, we have already helped several young people and, together with the police, unmasked perpetrators.
WATCH Nederland was making it difficult for perpetrators. We use lure ads and lure profiles to expose human traffickers. And we let potential clients know that sex with minors is punishable. In this way we prevent more victims from falling.
WATCH Nederland worked preventively to teach young people to recognise the dangers of human trafficking.
2022
Terre des Hommes is currently working on developing a new strategic direction, which may also include activities in the Netherlands to combat sexual exploitation.
Approach
Investigate and report
Cooperation with National Police
Discourage and unmask
Create awareness
Goals & Results
The goal of WATCH Nederland is to work with parties involved to stop commercial, sexual exploitation of minors in the Netherlands, just as Terre des Hommes does in other parts of the world.
- Reports of potential victims are investigated and, if there is sufficient evidence, handed over to the police;
- Clients are warned by means of lock-in advertisements;
- Loverboys and human traffickers are traced via web crawlers and passed on to the police.
Terre des Hommes is currently working on developing a new strategic direction, which may also include activities in the Netherlands to combat sexual exploitation.
Partners of WATCH Nederland
Together with experienced partners we are working towards a world without child exploitation, where young people can feel safe today and better about tomorrow. Join our fight.
The Dutch National Police
Human trafficking specialists
ICT companies