Just recently I spoke at the University of Toledo's WGST Student Research Showcase. My thesis was "Human Trafficking - Even in you own Backyard." Human trafficking is occurring whether you choose to believe it or not. I became aware of this modern slavery my sophomore year at UT during my Feminism Theory class. The average victim is between the ages of 18 - 24 while the average child forced into trafficking is 12 - 14 years of age. Human trafficking does not discriminate against race, sex, age, or nationality. It could happen to anyone at any time. In the United States alone 300,000 teens and children are at risk for becoming a sex slave in America (www.historystartsnow.info). This is due to various circumstances such as depression, homelessness, sexual and physical abuse, and temptation from traffickers who promise false opportunities. The following are some statistics:
- Between 80 - 90 percent of all human trafficking victims are women & girls.
- It is the world's third highest profitable criminal activity behind drug and weapon trafficking. Some researchers say human trafficking is a $9.5 billion activity, but I have also seen the number as high as $30 billion!
- 2 to 4 million people are trafficked within international countries.
- While 600,000 - 800,000 individuals are trafficked across international lines.
- At least 161 countries are involved with labor and sex trafficking whether as a source, transit, or destination location.
- Two children per minute are forced into slavery. That equals 1.2 million children a year!
- In the United States between 14,500 to 17,500 are trafficked.
- 95% of women suffer physical or sexual violence while being trafficked.
They say slavery has been abolished, but this false statement rings in the ears of thousands of lives tortured and forced to live this horror daily. Human rights are important to everyone, yet why does the world choose to ignore modern day slavery? It is a worldwide issue that must be addressed in order to save more lives that are innocent. Awareness is key! There are many organizations out there to combat modern slavery; however, not until the DNA Foundation did an organization actually gain prominent awareness in the media. The DNA Foundation was founded by Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher in an effort to raise awareness of sex trafficking. They use other celebrities to do PSAs in which the theme is "Real Men Don't Buy Girls." Many people claim that these ads "dumb down" human trafficking, but I believe any awareness is beneficial to something that many people aren't even aware of. I commend the efforts of the DNA Foundation and I recommend that everyone should visit the site. Make sure to follow them on Twitter and Facebook!
If anyone knows or thinks a person is being forced into labor or sex trafficking please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center 1.888.3737.888!
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