If you think human trafficking is a new phenomenon, think again! In 1885, Victorian England was scandalised by a newspaper campaign and high profile court case which shone a spotlight on the issue of sex trafficking, and particularly the trafficking of children into to sex trade. Author and broadcaster Cathy Le Feuvre recently published the account of the case of ‘The Armstrong Girl – A child for sale: the battle against the Victorian sex trade’ (Lion Books 2015) Drawing on first person testimonies from court records, personal letters and detailed socio-historical research, The Armstrong Girl traces what has become known as ‘The Maiden Tribute’ exposé. This was the culmination of a campaign by concerned Christians of the day – including the then very young Salvation Army movement - to bring about the raising of the Age of Consent in Great Britain. 130 years on and human trafficking is again making UK and world headlines, as are recent calls to lower the age of consent. The Salvation Army is still at the centre of the fight against trafficking across the world. Cathy will bring us the story of Eliza Armstrong, and the sensational newspaper campaign and resulting Old Bailey court case as a way into a discussion about human trafficking today and the role of those determined to see an end to this ‘modern slave trade’.

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