The month of July signifies freedom in the United States of America - The Land of the Free!
What would you say if I told you slavery is the third largest criminal industry in the world today? No, I'm not talking about slavery as it existed in the 1800'S. I'm talking about human trafficking. In the U.S., 200,000 to 350,000 children are at risk of being trafficked into the sex industry each year. This threatens all our children...yours and mine. Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal industry, grossing over $30 million dollars a year.
Women and children are at the greatest risk of being trafficked for the purpose of prostitution, strip clubs, pornography, and live sex shows, but no one is immune...no matter the sex, race, gender or class. These victims are dehumanized and treated like property.
FACTS:
- Human trafficking is the third largest criminal industry after drugs and firearms.
- The average age of victims is 11 to 14.
- Approximately 80% of victims are female. Males are usually sold to work in sweat shops, farms or other forms of service.
- 70% of all victims are trafficked for sexual purposes.
- Approximately 20,000 victims are trafficked INTO the U.S. each year.
- Each year, an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 men, women, and children are trafficked across international borders (some international and non-governmental organizations place the number far higher), and the trade is growing. (U.S. Department of State, 2004, Trafficking in Persons Report, Washington D.C.: U.S. Department of State.)
- *Sex traffickers use a variety of methods to "condition" their victims, including starvation, confinement, beatings, physical abuse, rape, gang rape, threats of violence to the victims' family, forced drug use, and the threat of shaming their victims by revealing their activities to their family and family friends.
- 9.5 billion dollars have been made off the bodies of young girls and women in sex trafficking.
- In the United States, any minor child involved in commercial sexual exploitation is considered a victim of human trafficking.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
You have to agree this is a horrific life that innocent children are forced into every single day. These are OUR children. It's been said that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, it's time this village puts a stop to human trafficking, and you can help:
- Become informed. Learn all that you can about human trafficking.
- Educate others about human trafficking. Talk to your friends and family to bring more awareness. Write an article for your local newspaper. Write about human trafficking on your blog. Include information about human trafficking in local newsletters or bulletins.
- Give financially.
3 STRANDS ARE NOT EASILY BROKEN"
Buy the above bracelet, for $5.00, as a token of your commitment to freedom.
"Buy this bracelet and wear it for 31 days in July. Be a part of 31 Days of Freedom and use your voice to spread awareness and raise support for the expansion of aftercare in the United States and abroad."
I'm wearing my bracelet. Will you spend just $5.00 to show your commitment to freedom?
12 comments:
This is a great post. Thank you for helping to raise awareness.
You should check out Forsaken Generation. They work to end sex traffciking among children and teens in America!
Oh I have a teen. Lol will read it when we get back from the party. Visiting from SITs have a GREAT Saturday.
Thanks for bringing attention to such an alarming issue. The picture in your post really brings it home. Stopping by from SITS sharefest.
wow finally had time to go back and read. I had no idea. Thamks for posting.
I had no idea, wow! Powerful post I will definitely spread the message.
This is something, I had no idea it was this bad, it is the saddest thing happening here today. Much prayer is needed! Thanks for sharing this with us.
Yes ladies, human trafficking is a huge problem in the US, but most people believe it is only an international problem.
FYI...Atlanta, Georgia has the highest rate of human trafficking in the U.S.
Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! I had NO idea it was such a HUGE issue worldwide! Thanks for sharing and informing us! Will definitely get involved how I can!
I am horrified that in the 21st century this could even be an issue. *Sigh* Whatever I can do to help...thanks for this
Sharon
It's nice to know this group is there to help! This is when I wouldn't mind some drone action on these people doing this to children. They are monsters.
Such a horrifying issue and very well written.
I am well aware of the problem with human trafficking but I wish more parents were aware that every time their child or teen leaves the house (or even left unattended on the internet these days) there is potential for trafficking of that child or teen! Parents should be aware of their child's friends, whereabouts and activities at all times because the moment they get complacent and feel safe, that's when the worst can happen. I have seen first hand what happens to trafficking victims, and worse, had the horrifying experience of meeting several people who were on the receiving end of those being trafficked. This is such a good post to make parents aware. keep spreading the word.
Post a Comment