What is Human Trafficking?
The average American believes that slavery ended when the transatlantic Africans slavery trade died out in the 1800's. Mistakenly believe that slavery is a thing of the past.
But unfortunately, they are wrong!
Most are shocked when they find out that commercial sex trafficking or human trafficking is happening in their town, their backyard, often just down the street. Most Americans have the preconceived notion that sex slaves are usually found in some poverty stricken third-world country, far from our daughters, wives, friends, and family members.
But modern-day slavery exists everywhere, in every social sphere, in every age group. It happens right here, right now. And it happens to our American girls. Human trafficking is defined by the United Nations as:
“The recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of FORCE or other forms of COERCION, of abduction, of FRAUD, of deception, of the abuse of power of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.”
According to The Polaris Project:
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. As defined under U.S. federal law, victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex trade, adults aged 18 or over who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of “labor of services,” such as domestic workers held in a home, or farmworkers forced to labor against their will.
The factors that each of these situations have in common are elements of force, fraud, coercion that are used to control people. Then, that control is tied to inducing someone into commercial sex acts, or labor or services. Numerous people in the field have summed up the concept of human trafficking as “compelled service.” Every year, human traffickers generate billions of dollars in profits by victimizing millions of people around the world, and here in the United States. Human trafficking is considered to be one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world.
Help Us Change the Mindset
Someone once said:
“Trafficked victims are disposable people: you can buy them cheaply, use them, crumple them up and throw them away. They are just like used batteries, once they lose their usefulness another can be procured at no great expense.”
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE…. We recognize not everyone is called to go into the streets, but we believe that everyone can do something. There are multiple ways that you can make a difference. Here are just a few:
Be a Sender – sending teams into hard places to reach those the world has said are not worth it. When you give financially, it’s so much more than just giving money. You are literally changing someone’s life! You are just as much a part of the fight as those going into the darkness.
Become Part of the Team – Volunteer with us. There is a place for you whether you want to be hands on or more behind the scenes, we have a something for you! Add link to Application of Interest Form
Raise Awareness – Do you have a group that you are involved in? Host an awareness event, give people an opportunity to become educated. Knowledge is power.
You Are Not Alone.
If you or someone you know is trapped in the life of human trafficking, we want you to know that there is hope and help available. You are not alone. We have a dedicated Victim Services Coordinator who is here to provide support, guidance, and resources for those in need. Whether you are seeking a way out or looking to help someone else, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are committed to walking with you on the path to freedom and healing, offering compassion and care without judgment. Reach out to us today — help is just a call away. Call or text 806-673-1598. If you prefer to email, click here.
