Hey guys! As some of you may know, January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Known as the modern day slavery, human trafficking is the fastest growing organized crime present day.
Simply put, human trafficking is the exploitation of human beings as a means of gaining profit. The victims are manipulated through use of violence, intimidation, debt, threats, blackmail, deception, and more. Human trafficking manifests itself in a variety of different ways, the most common being the sex and labor trades.
There is a stereotype of human trafficking victims consisting only of low income women in third world countries. That, however, is not the whole picture. Men, women, and children of all ages, races, and geographic locations are caught up in the industry. They are often lured by fake promises and hopes of a better future.
Today I have an opportunity to share with you some of the tragedies that are happening present day, and more importantly, an opportunity to show what you can do about it.
Here are some statistics.
- The International Labour Organization estimates that there are more than 20.9 million victims of human trafficking globally.
68% of them are trapped in forced labor.
26% of them are children.
55% are women and girls.
- In 2016, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children estimated that 1 in 6 endangered runaways reported to them were likely sex trafficking victims.
- The human trafficking industry generates more than 32 billion dollars annually.
- There is no minimum age for victims of human trafficking. Children as young, and even younger than 4 and 5 years old are forced into the trafficking industry.
- The U.S. State Department cites that 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across borders every year.
These statistics are changing drastically every day, growing at a rapid and alarming rate.
Here’s what we can do about it.
- Boycott products and companies that have ties to human trafficking. The Department of Labor has a list of goods produced by child labor or forced labor.
- Raise awareness by hosting an event.
- Support the survivors of human trafficking by buying from companies designed to provide them with the work and resources they need to get back on their feet.
- Be vocal. Consider contacting local representatives, if you want to make a change, a great way to do it is by lobbying policymakers.
- Become informed about the signs and indicators of human trafficking. If you suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking, call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at +1 888-373-7888 immediately. It’s much more common than we think.
- Talk to local schools and universities about making students and their families aware of the problem.
- Support efforts to eradicate human trafficking. A21 and Polaris are great organizations that are making a tangible difference in the fight against human trafficking.
There will be an end to human trafficking, but only if we stand up and make a change. Join the movement, freedom starts with you.
This is great. When I wrote my blog on anger, in the forefront on my mind stood this issue. It’s bigger than we can imagine. I want to get involved. I’m not sure if you know who Christine Caine is but she is an author and activist in this area. Her projects are so large that sometimes I think, hey people are helping why do I need to. But reading the statistics you embedded in your article made me realize as many hands as possible are needed to enlighten and address on this issue. thisKeep spreading the word
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I’ve heard of her, I love the work that she is doing to combat trafficking. It really is such a huge issue that often times gets swept under the rug. Even with the mass efforts that Christine Caine and others are doing, there are so many people still in bondage. Thank you for your feedback and encouragement, I will definitely keep doing all that is in my power to let others know about it. God bless!
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What a complete joy to be co-laborers with someone who is so passionate about raising awareness for human trafficking. You are right, there is something, no matter how small, that every person can do to stop world wide human trafficking.
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It really is a wonderful thing to know that there are others who’s hearts are set upon making a change. Such an assurance that a breakthrough is bound to come!!
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Reblogged this on Rolling Hills🍃.
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You make very strong and valid points for why people need to be more aware. As the mother of a teenage girl, I try to be super vigilant with her online presence as well where she goes and with whom. I am only now learning about some of the social media methods such as the friend locator in Snap Chat, among others. I’m sure this is not what the makers of Snap Chat had in mind, but I’m learning that this is one way it’s being used. Strong post. Keep up the studies and keep the information coming.
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You’re so right, the online aspect is definitely something that needs to be addressed as well. I’ll work on adding some additional information in regards to its connection to human trafficking. Thank you for your input!
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Here’s an article that needs to be shared over and over again! The statistics provided are a great idea to spread awareness. This is such a serious issue and you truly did justice to it. I can’t wait to read more of your work!
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Thank you for your kind words! I very much appreciate it and will definitely keep the information coming.
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This is such an important post that everyone should know about. Trafficking is such a major problem in Belize where my family is from. It’s as if women and children being kidnapped became a norm out there. But even here in the US it happens and I think thats what a lot of people miss, that its not something that just happens in foreign countries. It was scary all the young girls that went missing in Washington DC. Even in Florida, Atlanta, here where I live in NYC. I know people who have been followed, had people try to lure them into cars, and someone close to me had a friend go missing. My sister actually has a friend who goes to rescue girls herself. Awareness amd action is needed! Thank you for this post
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I definitely agree, many people are unaware of just how real the problem is. Just talking to everyday people about it, I’m starting to realize that not everyone is familiar with the concept of human trafficking. It truly takes a community working together to shed light on this issue. Going overseas and even talking to foreign friends, it seems that they have a much better understanding of what is really happening than many here in America do. Like you mentioned with Belize, it is much more prominent and visible there. I’m praying for a mass movement that will begin the process of eradicating it everywhere completely. Thank you very much for your support!
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Reblogged this on SeraeBreeze and commented:
An important reblog from my soul sister and kindred spirit, ArisJade. There are more slaves now in the 21st century than there have ever been in our collective human history. If their freedom isn’t worth fighting for, then I don’t know what is.
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That is very well said, this is such an important topic to share. I appreciate that you reblogged this post!
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Thank you for the light you aid in shining on the darkness of the pervasive and seemingly endless depravity that is slavery. Your hope and solutions-minded approach are refreshing and much needed! Keep up the good work! I await your next post eagerly.
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This is great! Great topic as well this is a devastating thing that occurs and should be spoken more about. Also well written, keep it up ☺️
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Thank you very much, I truly appreciate it!
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Excellent blog!
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Thank you, I wish you the best of success with yours!
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Congratulations on your first post. If similar subject matter is addressed consistently and with similar clarity, than you will be a valued voice and a beaming beacon for the human condition. Good luck with future posts, and I’ll be watching.
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Your kind and genuine words are very appreciated. I sincerely hope to make a change in matters such as this, and will continue advocating in every way that I can. Many thanks!
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Wow, I’m totally overwhelmed. I appreciate your writing on this very present modern day human trafficking. You’ve just inspired me to write a story around this. Your very point is clear on what is on the table and how we can come into it.
Please, keep this up.
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I’m so glad that you were inpacted by this post! I’m very interested in reading your story once it’s finished, thank you for taking action to help the effort.
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I’ll let you know asap. You’re welcome
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This is a wonderful, informative article, and very well written!! There are many aspects that people just don’t understand. Thank you for writing. This information needs to be shared!
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I very much appreciate your comment, it really is a team effort. Thank you for your support!
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This is a great piece.
After reading your post, I realise just how little I know of such things, which I am ashamed to say. I think this just shows how little and how undermined this issue is, where there are millions of campaigns for so many charities, there are only a small handful related to this issue. It needs to be spoken about, we need to speak up & we all need to stop this!
So thank you for writing this! The proof of your skillful writing is within the many strong & passionate responses.
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Also, thank you for adding the information on how we can all contribute to changing & combatting these horrific statistics.
Adding this information allows us to use our outrage in a productive way, and is certainly a reminder that, although the numbers are bleak, we are not powerless and we can fix this.
Thank you, again.
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Wow! Thank you for your thoughtful words, I never imagined that this post would have the impact that it did. For so long I took the information I knew about this injustice for granted, believing that it was common knowledge. The more I realize that it isn’t well known, the more I feel the need to share it with others. I appreciate your reply. Thank you very much!
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You’re very welcome! 😀 I’m glad, I hope you do continue to share. I look forward to reading (& learning) mch more from you.
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Hey! I’ve nominated you for the Mystery Blogger Award! 🙂 https://nonalcoholicstudent.wordpress.com/2018/01/14/the-mystery-blogger-award/
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That is so kind of you. Thank you, really and truly!
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My pleasure!!! I can’t wait to read your responses 🙂
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Such an important topic — so glad you addressed it in your first post 🙂 Looking forward to more posts from you!
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I very much appreciate it, thank you Hannah!
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This is such an awesome and informative post. Just last week I was reading a newspaper in my country,Kenya and in it was an interview piece with a lady who was a human trafficking survivor. The things she said she was subjected to were so horrific and devastating. Just thinking about them makes my heart break. We really do need to take responsibility for our fellow human beings. The issue of human trafficking is so real and it is eating away at us like a cancer. We need to stop throwing it under a bus and address it. People really are undergoing through experiences that were never meant for humans…from beatings and punishments to forced labour and sex trafficking… Its time we did something about this issue. And the fact that you wrote this article…i think its a great step in the right direction. Lets be a beacon of hope to our fellow humans…lets fight for them and raise awareness on their behalf.
Awesome article and I hope you’ll keep them coming.😊😊😊
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I completely agree, hiding from these nightmarish realities won’t change the fact that they are happening all around us. Humanity has come so far as a whole and yet this kind of corruption is still such a huge problem globally. We need voices such as ours, willing to speak up and make a difference in matters like this. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, it really is making a difference! And I will by all means keep writing these articles, your support is invaluable.
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An important project you are working on. Thank you for the information. I have had an acquaintance who was very knowledgeable about this, but have lost touch. Thanks for the reminder.
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It is truly an honor for me to be able to share this information. Thank you for reading this and taking the time to comment. Your words are very encouraging!
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Thank you for reblogging, God bless!
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Reblogged this on Thoughts on culture, politics and more and commented:
Please take action against human trafficking.
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I appreciate that you shared this post, thank you!
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My pleasure. Keep up the good fight. God is with you.
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Great informative post!
I once believed that Human Trafficking was only in country’s with lax laws..
I was wrong.. and I am thankful that there are groups dedicated to stopping it.
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It’s very surprising how embedded human trafficking is into society and government. There are very few countries not affected by it. I too, am so grateful that there are major organizations willing to combat it. Thank you for your support!
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Count me in…
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Thank you for being apart of the movement!
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I am always into such things…
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That’s great, it’s awesome to know that other people are taking a stand as well.
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Thank you and proud to be a part…
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Wow, I just learned so much from reading this & my heart breaks, bc I had no idea! Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏽 You just inspired me to study a little more on this topic & possibly bring awareness to my city!
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I’m so glad that this post inspired you! Human trafficking really is such a devastating thing to learn about. If you’re interested in learning more definitely check out A21, they have been so helpful with showing what can be done about it.
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I will definitely check them out. Thanks again!
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Posts like these make WP even a much bigger value than it is already. Great idea and efforts to share this out!
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Thank you very much for reading this post and for your kind comment. That truly means a lot to me.
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This post is definitely needed. I feel like so many people turn a blind eye to red flags. It’s really hard for victims to get help if no one is looking for them. Thank you for this!
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That is very true. The signs are apparent, but often times unrecognizable to a person who does not know what they mean. Thank you, I appreciate it!
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Thank you for sharing such an important topic. Last year i did a groupwork about human trafficking and organ trade in Vietnam. Before that i knew very little about that alarming issue. This is a really informative post and thank you for addressing this global issue.
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What a great opportunity to do a groupwork on this subject, that is a really good idea! I’ll have to see what I can do about starting one of my own. Thank you very much for your input, I appreciate hearing others thoughts and experience about this matter.
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Wow! Congrats on the article. People should know more about human trafficking!
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Thank you, and I completely agree!
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Hi! I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award. Got to my latest post to get more info!
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Wow!! Thanks so much, what an honor that you thought of me.
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One of the best informative post! Thanks for sharing!
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Well thank you for reading it!! I very much appreciate your kind words!
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Great post! These are some very interesting statistics on human trafficking. I think one of the biggest problems we face when it comes to human trafficking is ignorance. Most people do not realize how big of an issue it is because they don’t know enough about it. For example, an astounding number of people believe that human trafficking only occurs in developing countries. I think they would care a lot more if they knew that human trafficking is going on right in their own state or country. One of the best ways to help with anti-trafficking movements is by spreading awareness. You mentioned in your post that the statistics on human trafficking are increasing at a rapid rate. What effect do you think raising awareness will have on these statistics?
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Exactly! That’s why it’s so important to share with others who don’t know about it, even in first world countries. I think that raising awareness is vital to combating human trafficking because, like you mentioned, many people are ignorant to the fact that it even exists. The impact of awareness on human trafficking statistics is monumental. I have personally seen many rescued from trafficking rings simply because others knew the indicators of human trafficking. The next step after awareness is action, which is a big reason that making people aware creates such a huge difference in those horrific statistics. Thank you for your comment!
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Hi ArisJade,
Great post! I really appreciate your acknowledgement of all the different people who are trafficked, not just women. I also really liked your statistic about 1 out of 6 runaway children having a chance of being trafficked. Another interesting connection is between the foster care system in the U.S. and trafficking. A large percentage of girls and boys who are being trafficked have at one time been connected with the foster care system.
I just started a blog about human trafficking!! I am so excited to be helping to get the word out about trafficking.
Thanks again!
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Definitely, children who currently have or have had ties to the foster care system in the past are extremely vulnerable to sexual exploitation, especially through human trafficking. It’s a shame to know that those who need protection the most are ones targeted for abuse. Thanks so much and I will be sure to check out your blog!
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It is very sad, and something I hope to work towards changing!!
Thank you, I appreciate it!
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That sent a shivering down my spine, I mean I knew about human trafficking but there are so much victims of that… OMG! Anyway I liked the things you suggested to do do reduce human trafficking.
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Thank you very much! The statistics of human trafficking are shocking, it’s almost hard to believe that so many people are still in bondage.
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Yeah you’re right.
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Thank you for sharing this. Very informative. It’s saddening that for a world that progressing on the technological front, there are situations like these that keep pulling us back.
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You’re definitely right, it really is saddening, especially given the modern state of the times. The technological advances are in some ways contributing to the problem, when they should be doing the opposite. I really hope to see a change.
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It’s sad that this is happening every day all over the world. Thank you for bringing more awareness to it. The statistics are staggering indeed. Great post!
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It really is incredibly difficult to even imagine so many people in bondage right now. Thank you so much for your support!
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Of course, you’re very welcome. Yes it is quite difficult to imagine☹️
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Hey aris. I like how you mentioned the problem of human trafficking being addressing in schools. I feel like that it’s very common in schools these days. Kids need to be aware of possible dangers around their surroundings.
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Hey there Rosy! I 100% agree with you. And the more that we push for awareness and protection in schools, the more comfortable kids will be with being open about topics such as this. I think it would be amazing to have a generation that grows up ready to inspire change!
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I AGREE WITH YOU GUYS TOO.SO LETS PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE OUR CHILDREN THE WISDOM THAT WE ALL NEED TO STOP THIS ITS SO TWISTED DOING THINGS LIKE THIS TO OUR CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN
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