WATCH Netherlands
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
Anyone can make a report to WATCH Netherlands. Also anonymous. WATCH Nederland listens, investigates the report and can refer to emergency services.
After a report, we start an extensive investigation and build up a file. We talk to the person making the report and gather as much information as possible about the persons involved. If there is a need for assistance, we look with the reporter at what options are available. A forensic ICT specialist conducts an online investigation into the parties involved. This is done legally, via public data. For example, via social media accounts, data from telephones and laptops and sometimes also via observations. Every useful file is transferred to the human trafficking department of the police for possible criminal investigation. This is only done with the consent of the reporting agent.
Cooperation with National Police
WATCH Nederland maintains contacts with human trafficking specialists at the National Police and seeks cooperation with regional hotlines. If the signal eventually offers sufficient leads, WATCH Nederland transfers the case to the police or the Public Prosecution Service.
Discourage and unmask
The proactive approach of WATCH Nederland is aimed at loverboys and their customers.
With lure ads interested customers are attracted. If someone responds, they are told that they are underage. If someone still wants to meet, the police are informed and the person receives a warning: you are about to commit an offence. In this way we prevent any more victims from falling.
WATCH Nederland uses lure profiles to which loverboys respond. Through further investigation we try to track down and unmask the loverboys. An online tool (web crawler) also searches the web for suspicious sex ads. Useful information to tackle human traffickers is shared with the police.
Create awareness
We use campaigns to inform those involved about the dangers of the internet and the various forms of (online) sexual exploitation.
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.