Over the past few years, I’ve had the honor of meeting and interviewing some remarkable women who opened my eyes to something I didn’t even know existed: modern-day slavery.
I firmly believe that awareness leads to action.
Since January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking month, I was compelled to share with you, dear readers.
Sexual exploitation hasn’t stopped — not even during this global health crisis. Unfortunately, it has increased.
Did you know that right now millions of children and adults are trapped in slavery in every single country in the world? Including the United States which according to statistics is one of the worst countries in the world.
Brace yourself because the stats are heartbreaking.
Twenty-one million people worldwide are victims of human trafficking. Trafficking is a $153 billion business, catching up to drug trafficking as the fastest growing criminal enterprise. The most heavily trafficked people group are American children! The FBI estimates sex trafficking in the U.S. involves 100,000 children, 60% of child sex trafficking victims recovered through FBI raids across the U.S. in 2013 were from foster care or group homes.
The ugly truth is, trafficking is most likely happening in YOUR city.
So, if you’re like me, you are asking, “What can I do?”
You’ve already begun by reading this post. Here are a few other ways you can help.
- Know the signs of human trafficking:
- Poor living conditions
- Signs of physical abuse.
- Tattoos of ownership.
- Submissive or fearful.
- Scripted answers.
- Few personal belongings.
Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) provides a free online course called Signs of Trafficking Course
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888
Call 911 if you suspect someone has been trafficked and is in immediate danger.
2. Follow, donate, and/or volunteer.
- Operation Underground Railroad has rescued and supported thousands of survivors in 28 countries and 26 U.S. states.
- Polaris works to reshape the systems that make sex and labor trafficking possible and profitable in North America.
- Hope for Justice is committed to ending slavery in our lifetime.
- Voices of Justice is an online magazine that “shines a light in the darkness.”
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” Psalm 82:3
Beckie — thank you for addressing this topic.
Well done.
Del, I know you have written on this as well. Let’s continue to shine a light into the darkness together.
It is horrendous knowing how many innocent lives are being shattered by sex trafficking, Beckie. Thank you for bringing this growing crisis to our attention.
Blessings!
Martha, it breaks my heart that many of the children trafficked in the U.S. are from foster care.
Beckie, I love your introduction statement, “I firmly believe that awareness leads to action.”
Once we are aware of something, the right thing to do is move forward in action. After all, love is a verb, and action…doing something about it!
We are connected with two great organizations for the fight against human trafficking. Amirah, Inc and Love 146.
Karen, it is my hope and prayer that readers will be compelled to pray and take action as the Lord guides.
What a sad reality Ms. Beckie. I recognize this has been a problem for many years, but too many of us have chosen to ignore it than address it. Your post encourages us to change that today! God’s blessings ma’am.
J.D., to be honest, I wasn’t aware of the enormity of this issue until a few years ago. Part of doing something is to inform. Next, I pray readers will pray for God’s direction on what action to take.
We must stand up for the least of these.
wow thanks for sharing his information Becky. I support an organization that works with human trafficking. I am grateful that there is more awareness.
Narva, I’m thrilled to hear you are supporting the cause to end human trafficking. Imagine if we all just did a little.
Blessings!