Over the last 8 years, I have worked closely with subject matter experts and survivors, and have seen first-hand the devastating effects of human trafficking.  Human trafficking is sadly one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world.  The International Labor Organization (ILO) reported that there are over 40.3 million victims globally; these are victims who, against their own will, were forced, coerced, or manipulated into providing sexual or labor services for the financial benefit of someone else.  It is important to know that Human Trafficking is NOT prostitution. The victims of human trafficking DO NOT profit or benefit from the services they render.  All of their earnings and gains go to their pimp or exploiter.  The ILO estimates that the profit from human trafficking last year was $150 billion dollars globally.  Again, these dollars largely benefit the criminals who sexually, physically, and emotionally abuse their victims.  

A sex trafficking survivor once shared that the quota or amount of money she was forced to make for her pimp was $10,000 a night.  She further shared that one night she made her pimp $90,000.  That’s correct.  One victim made $90,000 in one night. And this is just one of the pimp’s victims. Most pimps have on average five to six victims at a time working for them.  When victims do not meet their quotas the consequences are dire and often include severe beatings with guns, pipes, fists, etc.

Please know that anyone can be at risk of becoming a trafficking victim.  Ironically and sadly, as I was writing this article, I received a phone call from someone who informed me that their 3-year old relative had been taken to the hospital for allegations of on-going sexual abuse after they discovered symptoms of a sexually transmitted disease near the young child’s rectum area.  I believe that was God’s way of confirming to me how real and prevalent this issue is in our society.  Please make every effort to educate girls and boys, women and men of all ages about the risk of human trafficking so that we can all stay vigilant.  If you suspect that someone is involved in a potential case of trafficking, please call the national human trafficking hotline.  The call will be directed to the appropriate local law enforcement officials.  

National Human Trafficking Hotline 1 (888) 373-7888

BeFree Textline Text \”BeFree\” (233733)

https://polarisproject.org/initiatives