Reaching Priya before exploitation could
An online groomer saw Priya's vulnerability as something to exploit, and they used the transport network to do it. Thankfully, we were there too.
Meet Priya
Priya*, 14, was struggling with relationships at home when she met a new friend online.
Feeling pressured by her parents and shunned by her friends, her new online friend offered escape. So when she suggested they meet, Priya said yes.
But when she arrived at the station, far from home, it was an older man who met Priya and offered to take her to her friend’s home.
Priya immediately knew something was wrong.
What she didn’t know was what to do about it.
Keeping Priya safe
Thankfully, Railway Police, who work with Railway Children India, noticed that Priya seemed uncomfortable.
And, as they approached, the man walked away.
After bringing Priya to our Child Help Desk, situated in the station, Railway Children India outreach workers reassured Priya she was safe and traced her family.
Once she was home, they worked with her and her family to address the problems that were making her unhappy and helped her understand how to stay safe online.
Reaching children before exploitation can
Across India, Tanzania and the UK, we train transport staff to spot warning signs, place outreach workers at stations and work with police, government and local partners to keep children safe.
Together, we identify children at risk and connect them with the right support to help protect them from exploitation.
Today, Priya is safe because someone noticed – and acted.
But, every day, more vulnerable children, like Priya, arrive alone at transport hubs.
Who reaches them first can determine what happens next.
Will you help us keep more vulnerable children, like Priya, safe?
£24 pays for an outreach worker to spend three days noticing and protecting vulnerable children in India.
* Name changed and model used to protect identity. Priya’s story reflects real situations experienced by children we support. Donations will be used wherever the need is greatest across India, Tanzania and the UK.
