UOC’s Amy Arnold’s Training Arsenal: Equipping South Africa to Prevent Child Trafficking

Amy Arnold, Unchain Our Children’s (UOC) Specialist Operative and lead investigator, drives the organization’s national counter-human trafficking portfolio. With 14 years in U.S. law enforcement—including roles as Police Academy Trainer, Domestic Violence Detective, and Patrol Sergeant—she now heads investigations, task teams with government, and nationwide training in South Africa.

Igniting Awareness:  Key Engagements in 2025

UOC’s multi-faceted national campaign against human trafficking thrives on community immersion – educating, identifying victims, empowering survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable. Amy’s voice has echoed powerfully in these efforts.  In early August 2025, the National Freedom Network (NFN) invited her to address the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference in Pretoria, drawing bishops from South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini.  This marked her third NFN facilitation this year, following a May gathering.  In October, she led a riveting Survivor/Sexual Exploitation Panel for the same conference, engaging over 200 attendees.

Tailoring her message to their understanding, Arnold demystified trafficking tactics, grooming deceptions, legal frameworks like the Trafficking Act, reporting channels, and support resources. She stressed prevention—spotting red flags early—and advocacy, urging collective action to disrupt devious networks.

No one is exempt of human trafficking onslaught and South Africans in all walks of life benefit from the awareness campaigns and training. In 2025, Arnold addressed several institutions, public and private enterprises:

The Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC)

the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference (SACBC) in Pretoria (August) and she also led an October Survivor/Sexual Exploitation Panel, engaging over 200 clergy from South Africa, Botswana, and Eswatini. Invited repeatedly by the National Freedom Network, who organized her talks and training, she educates on grooming tactics, the Trafficking Act, reporting channels, and victim support—equipping faith leaders to protect vulnerable youth.

Reddam House School

A training session for the Reddam House School in Bedfordview was conducted in collaboration with the Child Guardian Unit, one of the partner organizations Unchain Our Children engage with to reach communities

Oliver Tambo Airport

As part of the Gauteng Provincial Task Team, in a collaborative effort, representing UOC, Had the opportunity to speak to Airport staff and travelers. 

Sub-Saharan Stats Shock

Child trafficking is surging across Sub-Saharan Africa. The 2024 UNODC Global Report notes a 31% rise in detected child victims worldwide (2019–2022), with children forming a major share in Africa—often trafficked for labor, sex, or begging. In South Africa, a regional hotspot, 2024 saw 123 prosecutions and 234 victims rescued. Early 2025 reported over 4,500 kidnappings, many tied to trafficking, with 80% of new survivors facing sexual exploitation.

Resources

Amy trains SAPS, Social Development, and Community Police Forums on indicators, child rights, and collaboration. Her “Let’s Talk” video series—covering grooming, prostitution, and human rights—plus downloadable flyers and resources, are freely available at unchainourchildren.org.za.

UOC’s awareness campaigns target churches, schools, CPFs, law enforcement, government, and grassroots groups. By building knowledge and networks, these efforts heighten vigilance, encourage reporting, disrupt trafficking rings, and support survivors. Arnold’s work proves awareness isn’t just education—it’s prevention, protection, and power in the hands of communities.

Discover & Connect

Invite Amy for a training session:  Contact Wayne van Onselen: 072 364 8246

Report Child Abuse:  Call UOC Crisis Centre:  067 323 7116

Visit the National Freedom Network (NFN) : https://nfn.org.za/