Stop Human Trafficking

GET HUMAN TRAFFICKING HELP

If you are a victim of Human Trafficking or suspect a loved one or friend of being a victim, contact the Human trafficking hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 .

National Human Trafficking Hotline SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO") Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week Languages: English, Spanish, and 200 more languages Website: http://humantraffickinghotline.org

Standing Against Trafficking Together

story by Cynthia Ford

We have made it to a new year. Many of us are focused and have painted a mental picture of the life we desire this year and in the foreseeable future. The most significant part of the transition is to have a changed mindset. Without a changed mindset, outward change is not possible. One issue that should be revamped this year is the awareness and prevention of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a horrible act that continues to plague our communities daily. Traffickers often hide in plain sight. Human tracking involves oppression, forced sex, forced labor, or other forced services. There are two types of human trafficking – sex trafficking and labor trafficking. The volume of human trafficking is much larger than people realize. In January, we recognize Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The purpose is to provide updated facts about human trafficking and make intentional moves toward human trafficking prevention. Prevention is an action word. We must actively put resources in place to reduce and eliminate human trafficking. Awareness is a huge piece of prevention. We must first acknowledge that the threat of human trafficking remains a problem. Many have started this journey by interviewing previous victims of trafficking. The interview provides insight into the minds of the victims and the potential habits of the perpetrators. Traffickers' exploitation affects every gender and race. There is also no discrimination for age. Some believe that human trafficking primarily affects young females. Human traffickers study the victims that they wish to pursue. One of the first goals of a trafficker is to begin manipulating the victim's thoughts. When you control the mind, you also have control of the body. Human trafficking is a prevalent issue that is often hidden in plain sight. The trafficker will blend in on virtual platforms as well as in person. As part of the manipulation process, the trafficker must be able to grab the attention of the intended victim. Easy targets are victims who are less aware of their surroundings. Human traffickers convince victims to stay in various ways, such as bribery, threats, and fear. Fear is the ultimate barrier that keeps victims trapped. Victims delay seeking help because of being harmed, their families being harmed, or the trafficker may promise the victim something in return for their work. Traffickers sometimes have additional sources and key players to help execute the initial trafficking incident. Some believe labor trafficking only happens in less developed countries. Labor trafficking is just as prevalent in developed countries as in less developed countries. Depending on the victim's need, the trafficker will tactfully force labor on the victim. Recruitment happens online and on apps. The internet, the dark web, and social media apps are hot spots for human traffickers. There are virtual spaces that run deeper than what most online traffic is exposed to. Beyond the walls of major search engines are secret virtual hiding spots for traffickers and other illegal activities. Eventually, perpetrators are exposed, and law enforcement attempt to rescue as many victims as possible. It is essential to be mindful of who you interact with virtually and to keep a very close eye on the apps used by children. Traffickers have also used other tactics, such as sending a victim to recruit a new victim. The victim would appear less harmful and befriend the new victim, only to succumb to the perpetrators' trap.

Human Trafficking is a form of bullying. The battle to control human trafficking must be a collective effort of many. Those involved in trafficking victims must be prosecuted. There must be consequences to maliciously altering the lives of innocent victims. We must start by teaching our loved ones about the reality of human trafficking. We must echo our sentiments with our lawmakers. We must empower the victims to reclaim their stolen identities and use their voices to create freedom for themselves and others. Together we stand, ready to enforce zero tolerance for any form of human trafficking.

An expansion of awareness and prevention is needed. The hidden places of traffickers should be exposed to prevent more victims. Children must be taught protection at an early age, and adults should be encouraged to maintain a sense of awareness at all times. As the shift in technology happens, lurkers will always seek avenues to hide in order to do dreadful things.