The Armstrong Girl: A Child for Sale: The Battle Against the Victorian Sex Trade

New
Paperback
2015
$12.33

In 1885 Victorian England was scandalized by a court case that lifted the veil on prostitution and the sex trade. In the Old Bailey dock stood W.T. Stead, the editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, which had recently published a series of articles on the sex trade; Rebecca Jarrett, a reformed brothel keeper; and the second-in-command of The Salvation Army, Bramwell Booth. They were accused of abducting a thirteen-year-old girl, Eliza Armstrong, apparently buying her for the purpose of prostitution. In fact they had done this as a sensational expose of the trade in young girls. The scandal triggered a massive petition and ultimately resulted in the raising of the British age of consent from thirteen to sixteen. Today human trafficking is once again making world headlines - as are recent calls to lower the age of consent. Eliza's story is a thrilling account of what can be achieved by those brave enough to believe that change is not only possible but has to come.

Synopsis

In 1885 Victorian England was scandalized by a court case that lifted the veil on prostitution and the sex trade. In the Old Bailey dock stood W.T. Stead, the editor of the Pall Mall Gazette, which had recently published a series of articles on the sex trade; Rebecca Jarrett, a reformed brothel keeper; and the second-in-command of The Salvation Army, Bramwell Booth. They were accused of abducting a thirteen-year-old girl, Eliza Armstrong, apparently buying her for the purpose of prostitution. In fact they had done this as a sensational expose of the trade in young girls. The scandal triggered a massive petition and ultimately resulted in the raising of the British age of consent from thirteen to sixteen. Today human trafficking is once again making world headlines - as are recent calls to lower the age of consent. Eliza's story is a thrilling account of what can be achieved by those brave enough to believe that change is not only possible but has to come.

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 288
Edition: New
Publisher: Lion Books
Published: 15 May 2015
ISBN 10: 0745956998
ISBN 13: 9780745956992
Book Overview: The story of the brave and visionary men and women who fought to raise the age of consent.

Media Reviews

A real pleasure to read. A wonderfully honest retelling of a story that involves politics, law, intrigue, sex, scandal, and media coverage as well as a cast of compelling characters motivated by faith to change their world. The gripping story not only brings history to life but makes it impossible not to recognize parallels with our own society. -- Lt Colonel Eirwen Pallant, The Salvation Army
Over a century later and the Eliza Armstrong Case is still relevant today. A story of what happens when individuals get a `fire in their bellies' and as a result, the world is changed. As the author points out, there are still millions of `Elizas' around the world and the fight still goes on. Thanks Cathy for relighting the fire in my head and soul again. -- Estelle Blake, Anti-Human Trafficking Co-ordinator, The Salvation Army Italy
My role in anti human trafficking in The Salvation Army means that I have told the story of The Maiden Tribute many time and know it well - or at least I thought I did until I read this book. The author's attention to detail, use of primary sources, and careful compilation of the facts gives the account real authenticity and the reader new insight into the horror of the exploitation and abuse of vulnerable girls and women in what might have been termed very proper Victorian England. In much the same way that Stead's nineteenth century account of women and girls being bought and sold into the sex trade kept the Gazette's readers impatient for the next day's instalment, I found myself propelled from chapter to chapter in anticipation of some new revelation. The question that must be asked is why is it that this account of lust, greed, and exploitation resulting in the brutalisation of innocent girls and women resonates so profoundly with the experience of those of us working with victims of human trafficking and modern day slavery today? My hope is that this compelling account of an extraordinary campaign will encourage many to once again join the battle to end this heinous crime against humanity once and for all. -- Anne Read, Anti Trafficking Response Co-ordinator, The Salvation Army
This is more than a piece of social history or a compelling cautionary tale. It has a grim resonance with the experience today of those who work with the child victims of human trafficking. As in Victorian Britain, modern slavery in the UK is connected with extreme poverty and the power of transnational organised crime. Le Feuvre's gripping account is a sober reminder that this is no time for complacency. * Reform Magazine *

Author Bio

Cathy Le Feuvre is a writer, journalist, broadcaster, and communications consultant specialising in public relations for religious organizations, churches, and faith groups. She spent seven years as Head of Media, for The Salvation Army (UK), which also happens to be her church of choice. Her career has incorporated work in newspapers, radio, and television including many years as a reporter, presenter, and producer for the BBC and ITV. Cathy writes for various outlets and as a communications consultant advises on and manages media delivery and campaigns for national and international organisations and agencies as well as advising and training in PR media delivery and strategy, and crisis and reputation management. MERYL DONEY is a freelance writer and editor. She has written more than 50 books for both adults and children. Her most recent publications include The Art of Prayer (Lion 1999).