How willing are you, to sit in discomfort, and learn harsh realities of our present world?
There have been a lot of moments over the past 10+ years of my human trafficking awareness that I wanted to cover my ears & close my eyes. How could these things be a reality in my lifetime? In my country? In my city?!
Over the past half year, new realities and stories have been hitting me in the gut like a sucker punch on repeat. Porn university, infant rape for monetary gain of parents, repetitive oncologist sexual abuse… I’m barely scratching the surface.
I want to share some facts so that we can have our eyes opened as we go out into our world each day. Hopefully this will help open your heart to a new area of prayer. Maybe you will vow to be an abolitionist who fights wrong legislation, funds rescues and raises awareness.
Trafficking + Modern Day Slavery Facts:
+ Slavery comes in the form of sex trafficking (adults & minors) including massage parlors, forced prostitution, pornography & much more, forced labor, debt bondage, involuntary domestic servitude, & child soldiers
+ Slavery can be while living at home, unknown to guardians, by family or guardians, in the workplace, prostitution, in the fields or factories, in the truck you passed on the highway, or in an underground trafficking ring.
+ The most vulnerable to trafficking are immigrants, foster children, cultural or political or ethnic minorities, homeless / home – run – away individuals.
+ Estimated 40 million individuals impacted globally each year by trafficking & slavery. 80,000 children go missing annually in America alone.
+ Trafficking is a $150 BILLION per year industry. $99 BILLION of that is sex trafficking through the prostitution industry.
+ Traffickers / repeat abusers include, but are not limited to: parents, romantic partners, politicians, doctors, police, diplomatic families, agricultural operators, pimps / brothel owners, government officials, business owners, neighbors, military, and the list goes on. Often victims know the abuser, and the victim can often become the abuser (many cases of women becoming the traffickers as they grow up in the victim state)
+ Escape of a victims is very expensive, difficult & dangerous, rescuing is similar. Due to traumas experienced, post trafficking life is extremely hard to adjust to.
+ THERE IS SO MUCH YOU CAN DO.
WHAT CAN YOU DO NOW?
+ Learn.
+ Partner with missions in prayer.
+ Partner financially + fundraise to raise awareness.
+ Educate others and talk about the problem.
+ Oppose legislation that de-humanizes our fellow humans.
+ Have your eyes opened to your surroundings, ask questions & don’t be afraid to call authorities when something seems “off”.
+ Vow to be an Abolitionist.
+ Purchase items that are ethically sourced (chocolate, clothing, foods, decor).
+ When buying gifts, choose items that were made by, an support, those who have been rescued.
+ Volunteer at a local foundation if available.
+ Shop Amazon Smile & choose a foundation
+ Do not do nothing.
RESOURCES TO START:
+ A21
+ International Justice Mission
+ Hookers For Jesus – first surviver led trafficking safe house
One thing I am certain of, is that there is a kingdom of darkness that cannot cast a shadow on the Kingdom of Light. God is victorious & he will serve justice in due time.
What are some ways you are wanting to contribute to the abolition of human trafficking? Or what are you already doing? I would love to know!
-the ginger