When you KNOW better, you DO better. – Maya Angelou
Why is Human Trafficking Prevention so Difficult?
The very nature of human trafficking is complex, universal and daunting, at times overwhelming and crippling us from taking action to thwart its pervasiveness.
It’s not uncommon to disassociate ourselves from such evil and dismiss it because “it happens over there to that person and they are to blame for it.”
But placing the finger on someone other than ourselves only perpetuates the problem, keeping a $150 billion industry alive and thriving.
Collectively, it’s our problem.
Are we really ones to shake our heads at those who are still in the dark about modern-day slavery?
When it comes to purchasing goods or services, are we more concerned about saving a few dollars and preserving our own bottom line?
Do you have a young student, neighbor or loved one that seems to be more reclusive than usual?
Thought provoking questions like these present great opportunities for us to act upon.
Shed some light.
Instead of shaking our heads to those who are blind to the disastrous affects human trafficking generates, why not shed some light on the issue for them?
Stop people from using derogatory words like “pimp,” “ho,” “whore,” or “child prostitute.”
Explain why these words are not only dehumanizing, hurtful and disrespectful, but also how the continued use of them exasperates and feeds into the evil trafficking maliciously reaps.
Consume consciously.
The next time you sit down for a little R&R, maybe you ought to think twice about that scrumptious bar of silky chocolate and latte you’re about to enjoy.
Can you be certain that these items were produced off of the labor of people who were paid a fair wage in beneficial conditions?
The reality is modern-day slavery touches us in various aspects of our everyday lives whether we are conscious of it or not.
In fact, to find out how many slaves work for you to keep your bottom line slim and your lifestyle cushy, visit slaveryfootprint.org.
Get involved.
Rather than ignoring your gut feelings that something is wrong about someone you care about, possess the courage to show you truly care by getting involved.
It could simply look like voicing your concern to them and letting them know you are available for them any time they need to talk or a safe place to go to.
It could also be making an inquiry call to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-3737-888 to gain deeper insight into what it is you’ve been witness to and solicit expert advice.
Or it could simply be an opportune moment to spend quality time with this person by doing things they love to do, which may further deter and disengage them from a potential dangerous situation.
Human trafficking is a lucrative, thriving and growing illicit criminal business that continues to flourish based on our ignorance, our denial and our inaction.
It’s not enough to just know that 40.3 million individuals are being enslaved and exploited worldwide and do nothing about it waiting for someone else to do something about it.
Each of us individually has a role to play and a responsibility to fulfill in preventing this evil from multiplying.
Collectively it’s our problem and collectively we can combat it, but it starts with you and me.