What can you do to combat human trafficking? (Part 1 of 3)
Human trafficking is one of those problems that seems so overwhelming, so impossible, so evil that many of us turn away and simply pretend it doesn't exist. But it does. Human trafficking is real, and it's pervasive.
Human trafficking is the Ukrainian orphan who "graduates" at 15, is put on the streets with a small sack of belongings, and is picked up by a trafficker offering her a good job and shelter only to be drugged, beaten, and raped until she is ready to be of service.
Human trafficking is the destitute Albanian woman who answers an ad offering her a dream job waitressing at a chic restaurant in Greece, on the Aegean. Handing over her passport, she is hauled over land and sea as her dreams disintegrate and she is bought and sold as property.
Human trafficking is the young Moldovan woman who was beaten by her father and ran to the streets. Picked up by traffickers offering her a hope, a future, she readily goes with them to Poland where she is forced to beg on streets, or face the consequences.
Human trafficking originates most severely from Thailand, China, Nigeria, Albania, Bulgaria, Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine. But, the United States is one of the hottest destination countries.
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/6497799.stm
The problem is not just an "over there" problem; it's in our backyard.
And the problem is huge, SO big that you can't do everything. But as I learned from Albina, you can't do nothing. So, what can you do? Regardless, of your resources, your time, the season of life you are in, you can do something.
Dont' worry. I'm not going to leave you hanging. Meet me here tomorrow for Part 2, and on Wednesday for Part 3 to find out what you can do to combat human trafficking.
What experiences do you have with human trafficking or is the issue a new one for you? Are you as surprised and horrified as I was when I first began to hear these statistics and read the stories? Leave me a comment to let me know your thoughts on the issue.