January 2012: Human Trafficking Awareness Month Resources
By Diann L. Neu
The Call
January 11th is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human trafficking, referred to as modern-day slavery, is the fastest growing and second most profitable criminal industry in the world. More than 27 million women, men, and children have become victims of human trafficking for labor and sexual exploitation. Trafficking can and does occur in all parts of the world, including the U.S. Large sporting events like the Super Bowl attract human trafficking, especially for sexual exploitation of women.
Stories of Trafficking
Excerpted from www.polarisproject.org
Amanda learned that her cousin was with a pimp who was advertising her for commercial sex on various websites.
A teacher became concerned about one of her students, a 14 year-old girl, and spoke with classmates who directed the teacher to multiple postings advertising the young girl for commercial sex on backpage.com.
A woman in Cameroon contacted the National Human Trafficking Resource Center about a friend who had moved to the U.S. several years ago whom the caller feared was a victim of domestic servitude.
With four children between them and a 16-year relationship, Mari couldn’t imagine leaving Darrell. She didn’t see any viable options, even though he was physically abusive and forced her into commercial sex when money was tight.
Brittany met a man at her local mall who offered her a job at his restaurant. Instead of working as a waitress, Brittany was forced to sell sex in a hotel room.
And many more….
Prayer of Solidarity
© Diann L. Neu, Co-director of WATER, dneu@hers.com
Holy Compassion, you who hear the cries of those in anguish,
Be with us now to bring them to safety and to speak out against those who exploit.
Holy Love, you who shout with us “No” to human trafficking in all its forms,
Be with us now to restore freedom to the trafficked and their families.
Holy Justice, you who rage with us against the injustices of trafficking,
Be with us now to take action to prevent and end this violence.
Holy Wisdom, you who know the worth of every human being,
Be with us as we erase this sinful practice from the face of the earth.
Take Action
Compiled by Diann L. Neu, WATER, www.waterwomensalliance.org
Seek Help. Report a tip. Call the Polaris Project trafficking hotline 1.888.37337.888:
www.polarisproject.org/what-we-do/national-human-trafficking-hotline/report-a-tip
Recognize the signs of trafficking:
www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/recognizing-the-signs
When you travel, check out the “Human trafficking letter to hotels” developed by the Sisters of Mercy Justice Team:
www.mercyinvestmentservices.org/component/content/article/476
Learn more about human trafficking by reading the recent issue of Centerings on trafficking by the 8th Day Center for Justice:
www.8thdaycenter.org/pdf/centerings/WinterCenterings2011FINAL.pdf
Use prayer services from the Intercommunity Peace & Justice Center: www.ipjc.org
Support the International Violence Against Women Act:
www.ucc.org/justice/human-rights/human-trafficking.html
Prevent trafficking at the Super Bowl:
www.ucc.org/justice/womens-issues/human-trafficking.html
Watch Lives for Sale, a documentary on immigration and trafficking produced by Maryknoll and Lightfoot Films in association with Faith & Values Media:
http://www.livesforsale.com/index.html
Encourage airlines to sign The Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children so that their employees will be alert to the warning signs that traveling children might be victims of trafficking.
Find additional resources and “Take Action” steps at ECPAT-USA.