July 30th….. unless you were born on that day, it was your wedding day, or some other significant life event occurred, that day will hold no significance for you. Until I was researching information for this Blog, it held none for me either. That day is World Day Against Trafficking In Persons. It is one of the events held to bring awareness to the Global effort to end trafficking. As well you may not be aware that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The number of missing adults and children in the United States is appalling. The fact that this is a Global issue is frightening. People are being abducted for a variety of reasons. Adults are sold into forced labor, forced begging, forced marriages and organ harvesting. Young women are sold into prostitution. The most devastating fact is the number of our children, gender does not matter, although the percentage of females is higher., that have been abducted or sold into the sex trafficking trade.

Labeled the Modern Day Slavery, sex trafficking has increased. As with many statistics in our Country, African Americans make up a disproportionate number of cases. Sex trafficking is found in every state and America is the second highest Country for trafficking. There are between 14, 500 and 17, 500 peopled trafficked into the States per year. The top four states for trafficking are, California, Texas, Florida, and New York. Trafficking has more than a 3.2 Billion dollar market value. There are over 20,000 reported cases per year, some as young as 5 or 6 years old. The average age of a teen prostitute is 12 to 13.

Where do the children come from? Some as in the case of children 5 to 6 years of age are abducted, they are not only easy prey but trusting. Runaways are prevalent among kids being sex trafficked. On the streets with no resources, they are lured in by a pimps false promises. He or sometimes she make the child dependent on and obedient to them. Children are often branded by the pimp with a barcode or number to show who they belong to. One in eight runaways have been sexually abused, assaulted, raped, or end up with substance abuse issues. Another source for trafficking victims, is the LGBTQ community. Often when children “come out” to their parent or guardian, they are thrown out of the home.

The internet has played a large part in identifying possible victims. Traffickers scour the internet , often trapping young people with job proposals, advertisements for a job with a large salary, or a travel opportunity. As well, the trafficker uses the internet to promote his “slave”. There are sites on the “Dark Web” exploiting children, and young people for sex. For older victims, the pimp may set up an escort service or call line.

I was discussing this issue with a friend and the nagging question for me was, where are the parents? Why were they not making more of an issue about their missing child? His response was, it was not the fact that some parents were not reporting missing children, in most cases they are reported. The real problem comes down to money. Without financial resources, to keep it going, the investigation fizzles out.. The old adage, “money talks and BS walks” rings true more than ever in todays world.

There have been laws passed and organizations established to address the trafficking issue. The 2006 Anti-Human Trafficking Bill was one of those. In 2020 the Department of Health and Human Services provided 2.3 million dollars to address human trafficking. In the U.S. penalties for trafficking is 12 years per offense, for up to 20 adults. Traffickers of children are sentenced to life in prison. In addition, to the sentence, fines of up to $1,500,000 can be imposed. 70% of collected funds go to public agencies and organizations that provide support to trafficking victims. The remaining 30% goes to law enforcement and prosecution, rescue operations, and witness protection programs.

Human trafficking is a Global issue and there have been some strides made in combating these crimes, and an increase in support of victims. However statistics show sex trafficking children remains a prevalent crime. If you suspect or know someone who is a victim, please call the National Hotline, 1-888 373-7888. Stay alert and know what is happening in your neighborhood. Establish neighborhood watch programs, and encourage community policing. Protect each other and our children.

Until next time,

Peace, Love, and Blessings