Ester: Tackling issues of abuse and exploitation

• Founder Sashi Schaffter drives a vision of meaningful change and engagement

Abuse and exploitation are very current issues that have been the damaging reality for many people in our digitally empowered world today. From the digital world to the physical world around us, these issues are rampant and affect countless individuals and communities. 

There is a huge need for engagement with all stakeholders – from law enforcement authorities to victims themselves. 

That’s the space that Ester would like to use to engage proactively, and take meaningful steps towards dealing with these troubling topics in a consistent manner.

Sashi Schaffter is passionate about the cause – she has a background in Human Rights law and has always wanted to work towards empowering the most vulnerable groups in society.

“When I finished my LLM and came back to Sri Lanka, I wanted to respond to the high levels of abuse and exploitation taking place. Today, we see proposals being made even for cyber-specific legislation, but legislation alone will not change attitudes and alter behaviour.”

Sashi believes that a change in culture and mindset is vital for meaningful change – which Ester aims to foster as an organisation. Ester’s key focus will be on advocacy through creating awareness and victim outreach. It will also take part in stakeholder engagement through training mechanisms and knowledge sharing workshops, amongst other initiatives. 

“Many are not even aware of the legal measures in place to protect them – even if they are, they do not know how to actually go about seeking redress. They are often scared and vulnerable. They must be encouraged and empowered to connect with those who understand them and can help them. That’s an area where Ester would like to generate engagement.”  

Sashi is hopeful about the scope of Ester as an organisation that seeks to work closely with stakeholders present in the field – from law enforcement agencies to state institutions. Ester’s vision of enhancing Sri Lanka’s overall response to abuse and exploitation can take many forms, she adds.

“It is never easy for victims to access justice due to various factors. This may include bureaucracy or cultural barriers which prevent victims of abuse from accessing relief; we want to empower and assist them through advocacy and education.” 

As an organisation, Ester will seek to develop processes that will cover a wide range of activities – from training workshops for children in vulnerable age groups, to workshops for parents and educational institutions as well. Ester will also seek to create awareness on safely navigating the digital world, particularly if faced with cyberbullying or abuse online.

“We need to work together with the community and the people. Anyone could be facing abuse, violence or even cyber-exploitation such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images - even someone you know personally. It could happen to anyone. That is why we should all speak out against it within our own social circles, in whatever way we can.”

Sashi says that Ester is happy to work with volunteers – and invites all to connect with them on social media. 

“If we work together, we can create meaningful change and make our country a safer place for everyone,” she says in conclusion.

Connect with Ester on Facebook and Instagram.